KUALA LUMPUR, Aug 24 — The Malaysian Meteorological Department (MetMalaysia) has issued a thunderstorm warning for parts of eight states and territories, warning residents to brace for heavy downpours, strong winds, and lightning strikes until 6:00pm today.
According to the advisory issued at 3:55pm, severe convective weather is expected across several districts in Peninsular Malaysia, Sarawak, and Sabah.
In Peninsular Malaysia, the warning covers Kulim, Baling, and Sik in Kedah, alongside Jeli and Gua Musang in Kelantan. Terengganu residents in Setiu and Kuala Nerus are also put on alert, as well as Cameron Highlands in Pahang, and Mersing and Kota Tinggi in Johor.
In Sarawak, the alert spans Lundu in Kuching, Sibu (covering Kanowit and Selangau), Mukah, Bintulu, Kapit, Limbang, and Miri, including Marudi.
In Sabah, the adverse weather is forecast across the Interior (Sipitang, Tenom, Beaufort, Membakut, Keningau, Sook, and Tambunan), the West Coast (Papar and Ranau), Kudat (Kota Marudu), and Sandakan (Telupid, Paitan, and Labuk & Sugut).
MetMalaysia issues thunderstorm warnings when storm systems show signs of generating heavy rain exceeding 20mm per hour that is imminent or projected to last more than an hour. These advisories serve as short-term alerts valid for a maximum of six hours.
The department urged the public to steer clear of flood-prone and low-lying zones, postpone non-essential outdoor activities, and exercise caution on the road, particularly along hilly terrain and interior stretches where heavy showers can sharply reduce driving visibility.
