PUTRAJAYA: The northeast monsoon is expected to commence as early as the fourth week of this month, a shift from the initial forecast of the first week of November.
Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi attributed this change to alterations in weather patterns and climate conditions.
"The northeast monsoon typically begins in the first week of November. However, due to these changes, forecasts suggest that it may arrive earlier, potentially in late October," he said at a press conference following the launch of the rejuvenation plan for Nadma partners 2030.
Also present was Majlis Amanah Rakyat chairman Datuk Dr Asyraf Wajdi Dusuki.
Meanwhile, Zahid, who is also the National Disaster Management (Nadma) Committee chairman, said that the Department of Irrigation and Drainage had identified areas at risk, particularly those prone to flooding.
"Many incidents occur along the west coast of Peninsular Malaysia, from Perlis to Johor. In preparation for this, we are mobilising resources through state and district disaster committees.
"Coordination meetings are held when the northeast or southwest monsoon seasons are anticipated," he said.
He assured that all enforcement agencies and non-governmental organisations would be deployed with adequate personnel.
"We do not focus on specific states or locations; rather, this mobilisation will be structured, incorporating support from non-governmental organisations.
"We hope that victims will not merely rely on aid agencies but will also take proactive steps to help themselves," he added.
Zahid emphasised the importance of public preparedness to mitigate disaster risks.
"The Malaysian Meteorological Department issues early warnings five days before extreme rainfall or high tides are expected. We communicate this through state and district committees.
"We urge the public to heed evacuation advisories to minimise the impact of disasters," he said.
As of this morning, nine rivers in five districts in Kedah have breached danger levels following heavy rain overnight, with water levels continuing to rise.
Flash floods have also affected Johor, Perak, and Selangor, prompting evacuations for many residents.
Previously, MetMalaysia indicated that the northeast monsoon is projected to begin in November and last until March next year, with forecasts of four to six episodes of continuous heavy rain during this period.
Heavy rainfall is expected to impact Kelantan, Terengganu, and Pahang between November and December of next year.