Storm warning out for Kedah, Terengganu, Kelantan, Johor, Sarawak, Sabah

KUALA LUMPUR, May 29 — The Malaysian Meteorological Department (MetMalaysia) has issued a thunderstorm warning for seven states today, with heavy rain and strong winds expected to persist until 7.00 pm.

In the northern and eastern regions of the peninsula, the warning covers Sik and Baling in Kedah; Besut and Setiu in Terengganu; and a large portion of Kelantan, including Tumpat, Pasir Mas, Kota Bharu, Jeli, Tanah Merah, Bachok, Machang, and Pasir Puteh.

Central and southern states are also affected, specifically Jelebu, Kuala Pilah, Jempol, and Tampin in Negeri Sembilan, alongside Tangkak, Segamat, Muar, Batu Pahat, Kluang, Mersing, and Kota Tinggi in Johor.

In East Malaysia, MetMalaysia has flagged several divisions in Sarawak, namely Sibu, Mukah (Matu, Dalat, and Mukah), Kapit (Song and Kapit), Bintulu (Tatau), and Miri (Subis, Beluru, Miri, and Marudi).

Meanwhile, in Sabah, the alert extends to the Interior (Tambunan), the West Coast, Sandakan (Telupid, Kinabatangan, Beluran, and Sandakan), and Kudat (Kota Marudu).

According to the department, such warnings are issued when there are indications of thunderstorms with rainfall intensity exceeding 20 mm/hour that are either imminent or expected to last for more than an hour.

These alerts are short-term and remain valid for a period not exceeding six hours from the time of issuance.

Residents in the affected areas are advised to remain vigilant and take necessary precautions against potential flash floods or falling trees due to strong winds during this period.