By Nurul Husna Mahmud

Fire and Rescue Department personnel and Civil Defence Force members search for victims following a water surge involving 11 people at Sungai Peretak, Kuala Kubu Baru. NSTP/AIZUDDIN SAAD

KUALA LUMPUR: Water surges, thunderstorms and large waves are among the hazards that could threaten lives during the northeast monsoon.

Fire and Rescue Department director-general Datuk Seri Nor Hisham Mohammad said the public should remain vigilant and avoid high-risk activities throughout the monsoon season.

He said one of the main threats was water surges, which frequently occur at recreational areas, particularly upstream river sections.

“Water surges, particularly at recreational and swimming areas, pose a significant risk at this time. They can occur suddenly, especially upstream and at rapids.

“Frequent thunderstorms also pose a serious threat to those outdoors or outside buildings, as they could be exposed to lightning strikes,” he said when contacted.

Hisham also expressed concern over visitors who continued to defy warnings by swimming along the coast.

He said the authorities had issued warnings because large waves could occur during the monsoon season.

He also urged hikers to immediately postpone plans to climb hills or mountains in areas affected by the monsoon.

“Slippery and difficult trails could hamper search and rescue (SAR) operations if an incident occurs,” he said.

Hisham said the department’s main focus was currently on responding to flash floods and monsoon floods nationwide.

He warned that SAR operations at recreational areas could divert resources and affect the department’s ability to rescue flood victims.

Terengganu identifies 64 schools at risk of flooding

This file pic dated Dec 1, 2024, shows and aerial view of the floods at a school and surrounding area in Hulu Terengganu.

KUALA NERUS: Sixty-four schools in Terengganu have been identified as at risk of flooding following the onset of the northeast monsoon late last month.

Terengganu Education Department director Kamsah @ Kamal Mohamed said meetings and simulations had been conducted to coordinate disaster preparedness measures.

He said the department had also requested agencies, including the police, Social Welfare Department, and Civil Defence Force, to mobilise personnel and logistics immediately in the event of floods or other emergencies.

“Sometimes, floods are unpredictable. There are places where we expect flooding, but it does not occur, and vice versa. However, we have discussed the data at meetings and called on all departments and agencies to help mobilise logistical resources,” he said after officiating at the “Majlis Menjulang Bakti Menyulam Legasi” ceremony here today.

Kamsah said 164 schools had also been designated as temporary relief centres (PPS) for the monsoon season.

Of that number, 11 schools recorded the highest frequency of activation as relief centres between 2018 and 2025.

A total of 149 educational institutions, including national primary and secondary schools, Chinese national-type schools, national religious secondary schools, and vocational colleges, have been identified as being in flood-prone zones.

“We are also fortunate that Terengganu now has a permanent relief centre (PPK) at SMK Matang in Hulu Terengganu, which was completed last January and can be used this year.

Malaysia was hit by its worst floods in a decade on Friday after monsoon rains caused severe flooding that killed at least three people and displaced more than 80,000. The northeastern state

“The facility was developed with an allocation of RM1 million from the National Disaster Management Agency and can accommodate more than 500 victims at any one time. Another PPK is being built at SK Banggol Peradong and is expected to be completed in March next year,” he said.

Source :

NST