Johor fully recovers from floods

Johor fully recovers from floods



Johor has fully recovered from the floods with the one temporary evacuation centre open in Segamat, being closed at 11 am today.

State Local Government, Urban Wellbeing and Environment Committee chairman Tan Chen Choon said 11 people from three families in the district, housed at Gemereh IV community hall since Dec 15, were allowed to return home today.

All of them are residents of Kampung Seberang Batu Badak.

According to Tan, they were all allowed to return home after the flood waters had receded fully and because of the sunny weather.

However, he said, ongoing monitoring will be carried out by the relevant agencies from time to time.

-- BERNAMA

Flood situation in Segamat continues to improve

Flood situation in Segamat continues to improve

The flood situation in Segamat continues to improve with only one relief centre (PPS) remains in operations as at 8 pm tonight.

State Local Government, Urban Wellbeing and Environment Committee chairman Tan Chen Choon said this followed the closing of PPS in Kampung Tandong which saw all 58 people from 13 families returning to their respective homes.

As for the remaining PPS in Kampung Batu Badak, the number of evacuees has dropped to 30 individuals from seven families, compared to 88 flood victims from 20 families this afternoon, he said in a statement.

-- BERNAMA

Only Segamat still affected by floods in Johor

Only Segamat still affected by floods in Johor

Segamat remains the only district in the state to be affected by floods with 436 people from 101 families still housed at nine temporary relief centres at 12 noon today.

State Local Government, Urban Wellbeing and Environment Committee chairman Tan Chen Choon in a statement said all victims in Segamat involved residents from Jalan Kolam Air, Kampung Batu Badak, Pogoh, Kampung Spang Loi, Kampung Tandong, Kuala Paya, Kampung Sanglang, Kampung Kuing Patah and Kampung Bukit Tunggal.

He said in the morning there were 37 people from seven families in Parit Sulong and Kampung Peserai Lama, Semerah sheltered at Sekolah Agama Seri Chomel and Kampung Peserai Lama hall.

Nonetheless, both centres were closed at 10 am after flood waters receded from the residence of all victims.

He said even though Segamat is still affected, monitoring for floods would continue in all districts by all relevant agencies.

-- BERNAMA

Flood situation in Johor improves

Flood situation in Johor improves

The total number of flood evacuees in the state has dropped to 1,468 people from 375 families as of 4pm, compared with 2,669 people from 716 families at 8am on Thursday (Dec 19).

State Local Government, Urban Wellbeing and Environment Committee chairman Tan Chen Choon in a statement here said the number of temporary relief centres had dropped from 43 to 25 at all five affected districts.

“The highest number of victims came from Segamat with 543 victims, followed by Kota Tinggi (452) and Kluang (233).

“The other flooded districts are Pontian (146) and Batu Pahat (94), ” he said.

Tan also said that three roads in Mersing and two roads in Segamat had been closed due to the floods.

The affected roads are Jalan Teluk Arong and Jalan Tanah Abang in Mersing and Jalan Paya Balai Badang, Jalan Putting, and Tumang in Segamat.

~The Star~

Next wave of floods feared at end of December

Next wave of floods feared at end of December



Residents are advised to be more cautious during this monsoon season for fear of another wave of floods at the end of this month.

Johor Menteri Besar Datuk Dr Sahruddin Jamal said the people should listen to directives from the authorities if their residential areas were hit by floods.

“I was informed that there is a possible wave of floods at the end of this month. Therefore, I hope everyone will be more careful," he told reporters after making an aerial survey over some areas in the state today.

The one-hour air survey was conducted over Johor Bahru, Mersing, and Pengerang in Kota Tinggi by using an Augusta AW 189 helicopter belonging to the Johor Fire and Rescue Department (JBPM).

Also present was state JBPM director, Datuk Yahaya Madis.

Meanwhile, Yahaya said the situation was under control as the flood waters began to recede in several areas.

“We see that only the main road linking Kota Tinggi to Mersing has been cut off while Kampung Mawai is still flooded and unsafe. We hope that with fine weather like today, the situation will improve,” he said when contacted by Bernama.

He said JBPM would continue to conduct the aerial survey tomorrow over other districts such as Batu Pahat, Kluang and Segamat, in addition to performing several mercy flights for flood victims, including sending basic food items to villagers in Kampung Peta Endau and bringing out Orang Asli patients.

In a related development, state International Trade, Investment and Utilities Committee chairman, Jimmy Puah Wee Tse said the water levels in three rivers had exceeded the danger level following continuous rain since last Friday.

As of 11.59 am, the water level in Sungai Lenik recorded a reading of 6.59 metres, which exceeded the danger level of 6 metres and Sungai Muar in Kampung Awat had reached 20.19 metres (danger level at 19.95 metres).

Meanwhile, the water level of the Machap Dam recorded a reading of 17.42 metres, exceeding the danger level (17.4 metres), he said, adding that the Department of Irrigation and Drainage had been asked to monitor the situation from time to time.

-- BERNAMA

Thunderstorm alert 18/12/2019

Kota Tinggi Waterfalls - Damages by recent heavy rain

Source： Facebook

Heavy Rain - YELLOW ALERT

Segamat, Kluang, Kulai, Kota Tinggi, Mersing

Floods worsen, three more districts affected

Floods worsen, three more districts affected



Incessant heavy rain has resulted in three more districts in Johor being inundated by floods, in addition to two districts in the state which are already affected, thus far.

State Local Government, Urban Well-being and Environment Committee chairman, Tan Chen Choon, in a statement, said the three new areas were Kulai, Kluang and Segamat while the two which had been affected prior to this were Mersing and Kota Tinggi.

The worsening situation had resulted in 1,364 victims from 355 families being evacuated as of 3 pm, compared to only 171 victims from 45 families this morning.

All the victims were housed at 21 temporary flood relief centres (PPS), namely, in Kota Tinggi (nine), Kluang (six), Mersing (four) and one each in Segamat and Kulai.

He said the floods, and also landslides, had also cut off five routes in two districts to all types of vehicles.

Three of the routes were in the Kota Tinggi district, namely, Jalan Batu 18, Jalan Ladang Pasir Logok-Ladang Bukit Berkelompok and Jalan Ladang Bukit Payong, all near Kampung Tunjuk Laut.

Two more routes were in Mersing, namely, Jalan Tenggaroh 3 heading to Mawai/ Kota Tinggi/ Sedili and Jalan Endau Batu 12 to Rompin.

-- BERNAMA

Kota Tinggi recovers fully from floods

Kota Tinggi recovers fully from floods

All 70 flood victims from 21 families in the Kota Tinggi district were allowed to return home after the last two temporary evacuation centres (PPS) closed at 12.30 pm today.

State Local Government, Urban Well-being and Environment Committee chairman Tan Chen Choon said the two centres were at Sekolah Kebangsaan (SK) Teluk Ramunia and SK Mawai.

He said the victims were residents from Kampung Parit Baharu, Kampung Changi, Kampung Jumis Bukit Raja, Kampung Mawai Baru, Kampung Mawai Lama and Kampung Haji Mohd Jambi.

A total of five PPS were opened in the district since Sunday and three of them, namely, Kota Tinggi Vocational College, Sekolah Jenis Kebangsaan Cina (SJKC) New Kota and Seri Teratai Batu 4 hall, were closed yesterday.

-- BERNAMA

Kota Tinggi flood victims rise

Kota Tinggi flood victims rise, 729 people evacuated



The number of flood victims placed at temporary evacuation centres (PPS) in Kota Tinggi tonight rose sharply to 729 people compared to 39 victims this afternoon.

State Local Government, Urban Well Being and Environment Committee chairman Tan Chen Choon, in a statement, said as of 8pm, 165 families were seeking shelter at four PPS after their residential areas were inundated with flood waters between 0.5 metres and one metre high.

Tan said they include 46 victims (13 families) from Kampung Baharu, Kampung Changi and Kampung Jumis Bukit Raja in Teluk Ramunia, while 573 victims (130 families) were from Kampung Jawa, Taman Aman and Taman Mawai.

Another 60 victims are members of 12 Rohingya families from Taman Aman and Taman Mawai, while the remaining 50 victims (10 families) were from Kampung Sepak Hilir, he said.

The affected areas were still experiencing rainfall tonight.

-- BERNAMA

Heavy rains cause flooding, evacuations in Johor

Heavy rains cause flooding, evacuations in Johor

People have been evacuated to temporary flood relief centres due to continuous heavy rainfall in some parts of the state, which has also resulted in some major roads in cities being flooded.

The downpour started at about 6am Monday (Dec 9) morning and has continued since.

One of the affected areas is Jalan Kota Tinggi-Mersing where the water level from the nearby Sungai Ara has risen and flooded the road.

Kota Tinggi OCPD Supt Ahsmon Bajah reminded road users to be vigilant and avoid using slippery roads.

“Follow the road signs and drive carefully. They should also listen or pay attention to any traffic announcement made by the authorities, ” he said when contacted.

Meanwhile, the Johor Disaster Management committee in a statement reported that a total of 19 victims from five families from Kota Tinggi have been evacuated to one PPS at SK Teluk Ramunia here.

The PPS has been operating since Sunday (Dec 8) as three villages have been affected by the floods, namely Kampung Baharu, Kampung Changi, and Kampung Jumis Bukit Raja.

Meanwhile, the Malaysian Meteorological Department issued a bad weather announcement, stating that heavy rains will affect Mersing and Kota Tinggi.

Heavy rain is also expected in Segamat, Kluang, Pontian, Kulai and Johor Baru.

The situation is expected to continue until Tuesday (Dec 10).

~The Star~

Air quality worsens slightly in the country

Air quality worsens slightly in the country

The air quality in Peninsular Malaysia has worsened slightly with Rompin in Pahang Air Pollutant Index (API) readings jumping from “unhealthy” to “very unhealthy” zone.

According to Department of Environment (DOE) data, the API recorded in Rompin was at 223 as at 4pm, yesterday.

On Saturday, Rompin’s API was “unhealthy” at 125.

Conditions in Kuala Lumpur remained at moderate levels during the weekend, with the API at between 65 and 67.

In Selangor, Johan Setia saw a slight increase in the API readings.

The reading recorded was at 95 compared to 92 on Saturday.

Other areas in Selangor such as in Banting (82), Petaling Jaya (81), and Shah Alam (83) maintained its “moderate” readings.

The API readings in Kedah and Perlis also worsened from “good” to “moderate”, while Sabah maintained its “good” API readings.

Other places nationwide such as in Negri Sembilan, Johor, Perak, Penang, Kelantan and Terengganu recorded “moderate” API levels.

Meanwhile, in Sarawak, Sri Aman posted an API reading of 252 and generally the haze situation here and in Miri is still bad.

The API reading worsened compared to Saturday which was at 247.

The air quality in SK Kuala Baram 2 station and the Miri Industrial Training Institute station both improved.

SK Kuala Baram 2 station recorded an API reading of 80 from 119, while the Miri Industrial Training Institute station recorded a reading of 161 from 222.

As of yesterday morning, the DOE recorded one “hot spot” (forest fire) in Sarawak

An API reading of between 0 and 50 is good, while 51 to 100 is moderate, 01 to 200 is unhealthy, 201 to 300 very unhealthy, and 301 and above is deemed hazardous.

The public can also refer to the Department of Environment (DoE) website at or by downloading the MyIPU smartphone app on ‘Google Play’ to get hourly API readings

According to the Asean Specialised Meterological Centre (ASMC) weather and haze outlook posted on Saturday at 6.25pm, it noted that hotspot activities in Sumatra and Kalimantan are likely to persist in the country.

ASMC’s satellite monitoring system has also indicated in recent times that open burning is also coming from that direction.

~News courtesy of The Star~

Hot and dry weather in M'sia until October

Hot and dry weather in M'sia until October, says the weatherman

KUALA LUMPUR (Bernama): Malaysia is expected to experience hot and dry weather with less rainfall until October, says Deputy Energy, Science, Technology, Environment and Climate Change Minister Isnaraissah Munirah Majilis.

She said apart from Malaysia, neighbouring countries Singapore and Sumatra in Indonesia are expected to experience the same weather pattern.

"We expect to experience a shortage of rainfall with warmer and drier weather this year without the El Nino and La Nina phenomena until October, " she said when asked about the essence of the 21st Technical Working Group (TWG) Meeting and the Ministerial Steering Committee Sub-Region on Cross-border Haze Pollution in Brunei.

She said this when contacted on the Bernama News Channel (BNC) talk showroom programme here Wednesday (Aug 7) night.

Commenting on the meeting, Isnaraissah said the five countries involved had presented measures taken to address fires and haze in their respective countries.

"Among the information shared was to carry out continuous monitoring of weather and hotspots, enforce the law and have the equipment prepared, mobilise human resources and co-ordinate fire-fighting, " she said.

The annual meeting involving four other Asean countries, Brunei, Indonesia, Singapore and Thailand, was held to monitor and detail the steps taken in addressing cross-border haze.

The initiative to address the Asean haze problem began following a serious episode of pollution in 1997 that led to the Asean Convention on cross-border haze signed by 10 countries in Kuala Lumpur on June 10, 2002. - Bernama

Haze situation under control despite dry spell

Haze situation under control despite dry spell

The haze situation appears to be under control despite the dry spell as the Air Pollutant Index (API) has not reached unhealthy levels in any parts of Malaysia.

In fact, good air quality was recorded in Kota Tinggi, Johor (API reading 50), Tawau, Sabah (46) and Limbang, Sarawak (47) at 6pm yesterday.

Air quality in other parts of Malaysia was at a moderate level.

An API reading of between 0 and 50 is good while 51 to 100 is moderate, 101 to 200 is unhealthy, 201 to 300 very unhealthy, and 301 and above deemed hazardous.

National Weather and Geophysics Operations Centre director Mohd Hisham Mohd Anip said the air quality would return to normal soon as Indonesia had succeeded in its aggressive initiative to douse the raging forest fires.

He also noted that the two low-pressure cyclones in the West Pacific and the northern part of South China Sea would further suck the atmospheric moisture.

Several west coast states in the peninsula and Sarawak are also facing the haze following forest fires at six districts in Indonesia over the last four days.

The Asean Specialised Meteorological Centre (ASMC) warned that more hotspots could be expected in the first two weeks of August, particularly in the fire-prone provinces in Sumatra and Kalimantan in Indonesia, following warmer and drier than average conditions forecast over the southern Asean region.

In the northern Asean region, hotspot activities are expected to remain subdued due to prevailing rainy conditions, according to ASMC.

~News courtesy of The Star~

Nine states on Level 1 heatwave alert

Nine states on Level 1 heatwave alert

It is getting hotter by the day with temperatures in the peninsula “boiling” between 35°C and 40°C.

The Malaysian Meteorological Department (MetMalaysia) has put a district in Kedah on Level 2 heatwave alert while 23 districts in seven states and one federal territory in the peninsula are on Level 1 after temperatures increased.

Pendang in Kedah is the only district placed on Level 2 alert after recording temperatures between 37°C and 40°C.

The 23 areas in the seven states are Chuping in Perlis; Kota Setar, Sik, Baling and Kulim in Kedah; Hulu Perak, Kuala Kangsar, Kinta and Batang Padang in Perak; and Jerantut, Raub, Temerloh, Maran and Bentong in Pahang.

Also listed are Kuala Selangor, Kelang, Hulu Selangor, Sepang and Petaling in Selangor; Jelebu and Rembau in Negri Sembilan; Tangkak in Johor; and Kuala Lumpur.The other regions, including Sabah and Sarawak, recorded temperatures below 35°C.

“The hot weather is due to the lack of cloud cover and low rainfall during the end of the north-east monsoon,” said MetMalaysia director-general Datuk Alui Bahari.

He said such extreme temperatures were usual during the end of the north-east monsoon period, adding that the heatwave was expected to subside next month with more rainfall.

He added that Malaysia was experiencing a weak El Nino (irregular weather phenomenon) but did not expect it to be as severe as the 2016 El Nino.

“The highest daily temperature recorded was 40.1°C in Chuping on April 9, 1998, during the 1997-1998 Super El Nino,” he said.

Meanwhile, the National Water Services Commission reiterated its advice for people to conserve water during the hot spell.

“We have been advising the people since February to use water wisely,” it said.

On the MetMalaysia Facebook page, Malaysians were seen reminding each other to take care during the heatwave.

“Woah heatwave! Drink lots of water ya,” Fadhil Saufi said.

“The weather in Penaga is so hot even my cat is running into the bedroom to find a cool place to relax,” Putera Katak said.

~News courtesy of The Star~

Current hot weather to prolong until end-March

Current hot weather to prolong until end-March, says weatherman



KUALA LUMPUR: The hot weather currently experienced in the west coast states of Peninsular Malaysia and Sabah is expected to continue until the end of March, according to the weatherman.

It is a normal phenomenon that affects the country at the tail end of the North East Monsoon, said Dr Mohd Hisham Mohd Anip, director of the National Weather and Geophysics Operations Centre of the Meteorological Department.

“Normally, during the final phase of the North East Monsoon, the temperature will rise due to the lack of rain. The temperature now is between 34 and 36 degrees Celsius compared to the usual 32 to 34 degrees Celsius.

“Perlis, Kedah and northern Perak have recorded temperatures as high as 37 degrees Celsius. However, this is not a daily phenomenon and we don’t see the mercury hitting 40 degrees Celsius in these states,” he told Bernama.

Mohd Hisham said the high temperatures were usually experienced between 2 pm and 4 pm in the west coast states and between 1 pm and 3 pm in Sabah.

He said the hot weather phenomenon is expected end in the middle of the monsoon transition, which is sometime between March and May, because rainfall is expected to rise then and the temperature will drop.

Asked whether the hot weather was triggered by El Nino, Mohd Hisham said the phenomenon did not have a significant impact on the current weather in the country.

“El Nino is in the process of forming now. However, it is quite weak and the probability of occurrence is 65 per cent. Its impact on the country is insignificant except perhaps in Sabah which is situated close to the Pacific Ocean where the El Nino develops owing to the warming of the ocean,” he said.

Mohd Hisham also said that rainfall in most of the states this month was low compared to the other months.

“Low rainfall is recorded in February in the northern states and some places in these states go without any rain. Many states in the north record rain of 50 mm or below and the number of rainy days is just five in the month.

“The Chuping Meteorological Station has not recorded rain for 27 days now. Usually, 15 days of rain a month are recorded. In the Klang Valley, the average rainfall in February is 150 mm compared to 300 mm in the other months,” he said.

Mohd Hisham said the hot weather phenomenon does not feature in the east coast states in the peninsula and Sarawak. -- Bernama

Hot and dry days to last until April

Hot and dry days to last until April

It is searing hot and dry, with five areas in the country already placed on heatwave alert.

And there’s more “hot” news – Malaysians have to put up with this weather until April, at least.

The tail-end of the north-east monsoon next month will see less rain in most parts of the country.

The Malaysian Meteorological Department (MetMalaysia), in a report on the country’s weather outlook from February to July, stated that most international climate models predicted a 65% possibility of the El Nino weather phenomenon occurring until May.

In the peninsula, Sik (Kedah), north Seberang Perai (Penang), Kinta and Kuala Kangsar (Perak) and Alor Gajah (Melaka) recorded temperatures of between 35°C and 37°C for three days in a row.

Throughout this month, the Department of Environment said most areas in the peninsula were likely to experience dry weather with less than 150mm rainfall.

It said Selangor, Kuala Lumpur, Putrajaya, Negri Sembilan, Melaka, Johor, Perlis, south Terengganu and Pahang will get slightly less average rainfall compared with the long-term average figure.

Kuching and Samarahan in Sara­wak are expected to get more rain than average, while Miri is likely to be drier.

In Sabah, most parts of the state are forecast to receive less than average rainfall.

One level up from Category 1 (heatwave alert) is Category 2, which is when temperatures rise above 37°C for three consecutive days.

When this happens, the Energy, Science, Technology, Environment and Climate Change Ministry is empowered to officially declare a heatwave in that location.

This is to enable the relevant authorities to take follow-up action such as closing schools.

When an area hits Category 3 (when the temperature hits above 40°C three days in a row, which is considered the “emergency level”), the National Disaster Management Agency will be notified and the Prime Minister can declare an emergency.

According to the MetMalaysia report, the country’s weather until July will be influenced by three weather patterns – the north-east monsoon which ends in March, intermonsoon in April and south-west monsoon, which begins in May.

The start of the intermonsoon period is expected to see more thunderstorms in the west coast and interior of the peninsula, east coast of Sabah and central Sara­wak.

In the meantime, the Fire and Rescue Department is on alert for more forest fires following a recent incident in Baling, Kedah.

~News courtesy of The Star~

Northeasterly winds expected till Sunday

Northeasterly winds expected till Sunday

Strong north-easterly winds of between 50kph and 60kph, with waves as high as 4.5m, are expected in waters off Samui and north Condore until this Sunday.

According to the Malaysian Meteorological Department, such weather conditions are dangerous to all shipping and marine activities, including fishing and ferry services.

Meanwhile, strong north-easterly winds of between 40kph and 50kph, with waves as high as 3.5m, are expected in waters off Tioman, south Condore, north Bunguran, northwest of Reef South, Reef North, Layang-Layang and west Palawan until this Sunday.

A similar weather forecast is also expected in waters off Kelantan, Terengganu and Pahang during the same period and will also be dangerous to small boats, sea sport and recreational activities.

According to the Kota Tinggi district management secretariat, they were evacuated when Sungai Pemandi overflowed its banks and entered into houses in nearby low-lying areas since 4pm.

“A total of 556 people from 162 families were evacuated to the relief centre at Dewan Kolej Vokasional Kota Tinggi at 9.15pm, while 49 people from nine families were evacuated to the relief centre at Dewan SJKC New Kota,” it said. — Bernama

Prepare for stormy days ahead, says weather department

Prepare for stormy days ahead, says weather department

Bring out your umbrellas and rubber boots because heavy rains are expected to lash out soon, bringing with it high chances of floodings.

Malaysian Meteorological Depart­ment director-general Alui Bahari said the north-east monsoon was expected to last until March and has already brought heavy rainfall to Kelantan and Terengganu.

Rain will make its way to Pahang and Johor before shifting to Sabah and Sarawak later in the season.

“These states are expected to experience four to six heavy rainfalls as in previous years,” he said.

“If heavy rainfall, high tides and strong winds occur, it could cause rivers to overflow,” he added.

The situation could be worsened by spring tides that take place during the new and full moons.

While the east coast is typically the worst hit by floods during the rainy season, west coast residents should also be on the alert.

Last year, Penang was also hit by major floods, where the state sought help from armed forces after winds and rain lashed out, causing landslides and falling trees.

However, Alui said he did not expect such rainfall over Penang and Kedah this season.

Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia’s Professor of Climatology and Oceanography Prof Dr Fredolin Tangang said the country was entering the monsoon period earlier compared to the average mid­-November onset date.

However, he said this was within the “natural variability” of the monsoon period, which was affected by phenomena such as El Nino.

“Sea surface temperatures in the Eastern-Central Pacific Ocean are warmer than usual, indicating the progression of a weak El Nino by year end or early next year,” he said.

Due to this, he said, there was likely to be heavier rainfall in southern Peninsular Malaysia, which includes Johor and the Klang Valley.

He added there was a low possibility of extreme rainfall, which could lead to large-scale flooding as the Kelantan and Terengganu floods in December 2014.

According to his research, three phenomena should take place for such extreme weather to occur.

Firstly, he said there should be cold surges from the north and secondly, the Borneo vortex, a wind circulation system should be located close to Peninsular Malaysia.

“The Madden-Julian Oscillation (MJO) must also be active and its low pressure-centre must be located near West Sumatra,” he said.

The MJO is a phenomenon in which a low pressure system crosses eastward from the Indian Ocean to the Pacific Ocean.

The people can monitor weather and flood situations through http://portalbencana.nadma.gov.my and www.met.gov.my or download relevant mobile applications such as myCuaca and myJPS.

~News courtesy of The Star~