SUBANG JAYA: The National Disaster Management Agency (NADMA) is maintaining full flood preparedness despite a decline in flood hotspots nationwide, with the Malaysian Meteorological Department (MetMalaysia) identifying 3,045 hotspots this year, down from 3,645 in 2025.
NADMA director-general Datuk Meor Ismail Meor Akim said areas that rarely experienced floods remained a concern, as residents and local authorities might be less familiar with emergency response procedures.
He said communities in frequently flooded areas were generally better prepared, as district officials, the Fire and Rescue Department and the Civil Defence Force were accustomed to handling such situations.
“Although the forecast indicates fewer floods this year, our level of preparedness remains unchanged.
“What worries me most are areas that rarely experience flooding, as they may be less prepared when unexpected incidents occur,” he said at a press conference during the Media Engagement Session on Government Preparedness for the 2026/2027 Northeast Monsoon (MTL) here today.
Meor said flooding could affect areas previously considered safe, citing Seri Muda and Bentong in Pahang as examples of locations that had experienced unexpected floods.
He said flooding in highland areas could be particularly dangerous because of the speed of the water flow.
“Who would expect flooding in a highland area? But when it happens, the water moves very fast,” he said, adding that climate change could contribute to increasingly unpredictable flood patterns.
He urged residents, particularly those in areas with little history of flooding, to remain vigilant and prepare for possible emergencies.
