KUALA LUMPUR: Heavy rains and overflowing rivers have caused severe flooding on the east coast, with some areas experiencing rainfall levels twice the average, causing river levels to rise higher than in the 2014 floods.
Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Fadillah Yusof said the prolonged downpour, which lasted for over six hours, as well as spring tide, has worsened the situation.
"The heavy rain, which is unusual, has caused an overflow. Some places have recorded more than double the normal rainfall, and along with the high spring tide, rivers and sea levels are already high, and when heavy rain occurs, it worsens the situation.
"This is why the overflow has been more severe compared to 2014, as river levels are higher than they were then," he said in a press conference after visiting the National Flood Forecasting and Warning Centre (PRABN) here today.
He also visited the 'war room' at Wisma Tenaga Nasional Berhad (TNB) on Jalan Timur 19, Petaling Jaya.
Meanwhile, Fadillah, who is also the Energy Transition and Water Transformation Minister said authorities are on alert as floodwaters from the East Coast soon continue to flow downstream to Pahang and Johor.
He said the authorities would continue to monitor the river water levels and rainfall until the end of the monsoon in March 2025.
"According to forecasts, the rain should ease off soon. Usually, the flow of water moves towards Pahang and Johor after this.
"At this moment, we are on high alert, and we will continue to monitor the river water levels and rainfall until March," he said.
He said, as of Dec 2, a total of 31 early forecast notices have been issued across 11 states, including Johor, Kelantan and Terengganu.
He said 27 flood warning notices have been raised for 27 districts, involving a total of 518 flood areas.
"The latest update warns of potential flooding in Besut (seven areas) and Setiu (three areas), with flood risks anticipated from today to Dec 6.
"METMalaysia is predicting five to seven episodes of heavy rain involving Kelantan, Terengganu, Pahang, Johor, Sarawak and Sabah.
"Severe flooding is likely to occur in 4,619 flood hotspots due to river overflow after continuous heavy rain for more than six hours," he said.
Fadillah also reminded the public to always check any messages with the relevant authorities to ensure that any donations or other aid are legitimate.