KUALA LUMPUR: Increasing the frequency of updates on the latest weather advisories and warnings will be among the steps taken by the Meteorological Department (MetMalaysia) to strengthen its Standard Operating Procedures (SOP) for disseminating weather information.
Its deputy director-general (operations) Mohd Hisham Mohd Anip said that the improvements would take effect immediately in response to the calls made by Natural Resources and Environment Minister Nik Nazmi Nik Ahmad.
"The SOP will be improved as instructed with immediate effect.
"MetMalaysia will strengthen the existing weather warning dissemination system by providing more frequent updates and sharing them across all available communication channels, including the website (www.met.gov.my), electronic media (TV and radio), social media (Facebook, Instagram, X, and YouTube), mobile applications, and myCuaca," Hisham told the News Straits Times.
He also added for ruther inquiries related to the weather, the public can contact the agency's hotline at 1-300-22-1638.
Earlier today, Nik Nazmi, in a statement, instructed MeTMalaysia to review its SOP for the dissemination of weather information, advisories, and warnings to ensure that updates are issued more frequently during periods of expected extreme weather.
He said that this directive was to ensure the agency disseminates weather information and warnings more effectively.
The directive, Nik Nazmi added, also aims to ensure that the public remains informed about current weather conditions and to prevent unwanted incidents.
"I am also aware of media reports stating that METMalaysia did not issue weather warnings because forecasts released five days prior were still deemed effective," he said, acknowledging the recent incidents of storms and heavy rainfall that have led to numerous cases of fallen trees, flooding, and damage to public property, particularly in northern regions.