KUALA LUMPUR: Pahang and Johor are among seven states expected to be heavily impacted by the second wave of floods over the next two weeks, starting tomorrow, Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi said.
He, nevertheless, assured that preparations, including the deployment of assets and personnel, are already underway in affected areas.
"The Malaysian Meteorological Department (MetMalaysia) forecasts that the second wave will begin tomorrow and continue until Dec 14.
"We hope it will not be as severe as the first wave, but it may impact Pahang and Johor more significantly.
"Additionally, from the end of this month to March, floods may affect Sabah and Sarawak," he said after flagging off the flood relief volunteer squad at the World Trade Centre (WTC) Kuala Lumpur.
Zahid, who also chairs the National Disaster Management Committee, called on the Social Welfare Department (JKM) to coordinate the efforts of non-governmental organisations (NGOs) nationwide.
He said that to date, over 222,000 flood victims across the country have been assisted to alleviate the burden caused by the disaster.
Earlier today (Dec 7), MetMalaysia issued a continuous rain warning at the alert level for seven states, effective from tomorrow until Dec 11.
It reported that heavy rainfall is expected tomorrow in five states, including Perlis; Kedah (Kubang Pasu, Kota Setar, Pokok Sena, Padang Terap, Pendang, Sik, and Baling); Perak (Hulu Perak); Kelantan; and Terengganu.
Similar warnings are forecast for Dec 9, affecting Pahang (Cameron Highlands, Lipis, Jerantut, Maran, Kuantan, Pekan, and Rompin) and Johor (Mersing and Kota Tinggi).
Previously, MetMalaysia director-general Mohd Hisham Mohd Anip said that a monsoon surge is expected to occur from tomorrow until Dec 14, potentially bringing continuous heavy rainfall across seven states.
He added that the weak to moderate monsoon surge may also impact Sarawak and Sabah, as well as western Peninsular Malaysia, as the intensity strengthens.