KUALA LUMPUR, May 12 — Commuters and residents across the Klang Valley and several other states are advised to brace for heavy downpours and strong winds as the Malaysian Meteorological Department (MetMalaysia) issued a widespread thunderstorm warning valid until 7:00 pm today.
The alert comes as many Malaysians prepare for the evening rush hour.
In the central region, the warning covers Kuala Lumpur and several districts in Selangor, specifically Sabak Bernam, Kuala Selangor, Hulu Selangor, Gombak, and Hulu Langat.
To the north, heavy rain is expected across most of Kedah and Perak, including major areas such as Kuala Muda, Kulim, Kinta, and Kuala Kangsar.
The weather warning extends significantly across the east coast and southern peninsula. The entirety of Kelantan and Johor are under the alert, alongside several districts in Terengganu and Pahang, including Kuantan, Cameron Highlands, and Bentong. In Negeri Sembilan, the affected areas include Jelebu, Seremban, Kuala Pilah, Jempol, and Tampin.
Across the South China Sea, residents in East Malaysia are also advised to stay vigilant. In Sarawak, the warning encompasses Kuching, Sibu, Miri, and Bintulu, among other divisions. In Sabah, the weather system is expected to hit the Interior, West Coast, and Sandakan regions, while the Federal Territory of Labuan is also included in the 7:00 pm advisory.
According to MetMalaysia, these short-term warnings are triggered when there are signs of imminent thunderstorms with a rainfall intensity exceeding 20 mm/hour, or when such conditions are expected to persist for more than an hour. Each issuance is valid for a maximum period of six hours.
Given that the warning coincides with peak travel times, motorists are urged to exercise extra caution on the roads due to potential flash floods and reduced visibility. The public is encouraged to monitor official channels for further updates.
