Kuala Lumpur:The flooding anticipated during this year's Northeast Monsoon is expected to be less severe than the significant floods that affected the country in 2021, which caused extensive damage in several areas.

According to BERNAMA News Agency, National Disaster Management Agency (NADMA) director-general, Datuk Meor Ismail Meor Akim, indicated that this assessment is based on the Malaysian Meteorological Department's (MetMalaysia) rainfall forecasts for the Northeast Monsoon, commencing at the end of this month and continuing until March of the following year.

Meor Ismail noted that current forecasts suggest minimal flooding, with MetMalaysia predicting the lowest extent and impact. Despite these projections, he assured that disaster preparedness efforts would remain robust, highlighting the importance of readiness, particularly in areas not typically affected by floods, where complacency might pose a risk.

Maqrun Fadzli Mohd Fahmi, director of the National Weather and Earthquake Centre at MET Malaysia, reinforced that while heavy rain episodes are expected, no extreme weather conditions are anticipated. MET Malaysia employs a three-tier heavy rain warning system to alert the public based on rainfall intensity, with warnings issued one to three days in advance when confidence levels are high.