Fire Department To Monitor Weather Hazards During Southwest Monsoon

George Town: The Fire and Rescue Department (JBPM) has announced its focus on monitoring heat, heavy rain, and strong winds during the Southwest Monsoon season, which extends until September, due to their association with natural disasters across the country.

According to BERNAMA News Agency, JBPM director-general Datuk Nor Hisham Mohammad stated that the department is preparing for prolonged dry spells that cause high temperatures, intermittent heavy afternoon downpours, and strong winds, which are sometimes accompanied by squalls or tropical storms. Forecasts from MetMalaysia indicate no extreme El Ni±o this year, with temperatures expected to remain below average. However, these weather events are still closely linked to disaster risks.

Nor Hisham emphasized that the department is ready to respond to these three weather phenomena and any other emergencies that may arise during the monsoon period. Speaking to reporters after the closing ceremony of the 2025 JBPM 10-a-side Rugby Championship in George Town, he noted that the department is on alert for open-fire incidents during dry spells, as well as rescues related to flash floods and storm-driven winds.

He also mentioned a significant decrease in open-fire reports this year, with nearly 3,000 emergency calls up to April, compared to over 9,000 during the same period last year. However, the current concern is heavy afternoon rains, especially during school holidays when many people visit rivers, waterfalls, and beaches.

Nor Hisham advised the public to stay vigilant and closely follow weather warnings, urging people to leave picnic areas immediately and avoid swimming or water activities if heavy rain is forecasted.

Earlier predictions by MetMalaysia had indicated that the Southwest Monsoon would begin on May 10 and continue through September, bringing steady winds from the southwest. While humidity is generally low and rainfall reduced in many areas during this season, heavy showers, strong winds, and thunder squalls remain possible, particularly in western Peninsular Malaysia, northern Sarawak, and western Sabah, often in the early mornings due to squall lines.

Meanwhile, the three-day rugby tournament featured 63 teams competing across six categories, including firefighters, under-15 boys, under-17 boys, under-12 boys, under-16 girls, and veterans. Sarawak’s firefighters’ team claimed the championship after defeating Selangor 10-0 in the final, with Negeri Sembilan securing third place following a 19-0 victory over Perak.