Bomba braces for wind, fire, and rain as monsoon season hits Malaysia
GEORGE TOWN, June 2 — The Fire and Rescue Department (JBPM) will prioritise monitoring three key weather phenomena, namely heat, heavy rain and strong winds, all associated with natural disasters across the country during the Southwest Monsoon season, which lasts until September.
Its director-general Datuk Nor Hisham Mohammad said the department is preparing for prolonged dry spells causing high temperatures, intermittent heavy afternoon downpours, and strong winds sometimes accompanied by squalls or tropical storms.
Forecasts from the Malaysian Meteorological Department (MetMalaysia) indicate no extreme El Niño this year, with temperatures expected to remain below average. Nevertheless, he stressed that these weather events remain closely tied to disaster risks.
'We remain ready to respond not only to these three weather phenomena but also to any other emergencies that may arise during the monsoon period,' he said.
Speaking to reporters after officiating the closing ceremony of the 2025 JBPM 10-a-side Rugby Championship in George Town, Nor Hisham added that the department is on alert for open-fire incidents during dry spells, as well as for rescues related to flash floods and storm-driven winds.
He also highlighted a significant decrease in open-fire reports so far this year, with nearly 3,000 emergency calls up to April, compared to over 9,000 during the same period last year.
However, the department's current concern lies with heavy afternoon rains, particularly during school holidays when many people visit rivers, waterfalls and beaches.
'The public is urged to stay vigilant and follow weather warnings closely. If heavy rain is forecast, leave picnic areas immediately and avoid swimming or water activities,' Nor Hisham advised.
Earlier, MetMalaysia had forecast that the Southwest Monsoon would begin on May 10 and would continue through September, bringing steady winds from the southwest.
While humidity is generally low during this season and rainfall is reduced in many areas, heavy sho
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Free Malaysia Today
5 hours ago
- Free Malaysia Today
Sze Fei-Izzuddin survive early scare in Indonesia Open
World No 1 men's doubles pair Goh Sze Fei-Nur Izzuddin Rumsani took an hour to see off their Taiwanese rivals in the opening round of the Indonesia Open. (Bernama pic) PETALING JAYA : World No 1 men's doubles pair Goh Sze Fei-Nur Izzuddin Rumsani overcame an early scare to defeat Taiwan's Lee Fang Chih-Lee Fang Jen in the opening round of the Indonesia Open. The 19th ranked Taiwanese twins had shocked the top seeds by taking the first game, before the Malaysians made a comeback to win 17-21, 21-17, 21-14 at the Istora Stadium in Jakarta tonight. Sze Fei-Izzuddin had to labour for an hour before they sealed the match and booked their berth in the last 16. The Malaysians have faced setback after setback this year, failing to get past the quarter-final stage in various tournaments, including two first-round exits. The duo won three World Tour titles in 2023 and another three in 2024, but have not won a single one this year. Today's tie was Sze Fei-Izzuddin's seventh time facing the Taiwanese pair, with the Malaysians winning six of the encounters. In the last 16, Sze Fei-Izzuddin will take on their world No 22 compatriots Nur Azriyn Ayub-Tan Wee Kiong, who staged an upset by beating the No 14 ranked Chinese duo of Xie Hao Nan-Zeng Wei Han 21-17, 21-12. Fellow men's doubles pair Man Wei Chong-Tee Kai Wun also progressed to the last 16 after making light work of American duo Chen Zhi Yi-Presley Smith, winning 21-6, 21-11 in just 21 minutes. The Malaysians will meet compatriots Junaidi Arif-Yap Roy King, who received a walkover from French pair Eloi Adam-Leo Rossi.
Free Malaysia Today
5 hours ago
- Free Malaysia Today
Bung should be the last to talk about loyalty, says Joniston
GRS information chief Joniston Bangkuai said the coalition had never been reliant on Sabah Umno. (Japen pic) PETALING JAYA : Gabungan Rakyat Sabah information chief Joniston Bangkuai today hit back at state Umno chief Bung Moktar Radin for saying it was tough to work with GRS due to its past betrayal. Joniston, who is also the Parti Bersatu Sabah information chief, said Bung was the last person who should be talking about loyalty or sincerity. 'It was Bung who conspired with Warisan and Parti Kesejahteraan Demokratik Masyarakat in January 2023 to topple the (state) government led by chief minister Hajiji Noor. 'Bung wasn't betrayed, he was the one betraying (others). 'Even while sitting in the state Cabinet, he had no respect for his colleagues in the state government led by Hajiji,' he said in a statement. He said during the political crisis, several Umno assemblymen refused to support Bung's move and instead backed Hajiji, as did Pakatan Harapan. 'If anyone needs to reflect, it's Bung. 'Why did your colleagues abandon your 'Kinabalu Move'? 'Why did PH support Hajiji instead of you? The answer is obvious: you didn't have their trust,' he said. Joniston said GRS had never been reliant on Umno and reiterated that the coalition was fully prepared to face the upcoming state election independently. Earlier today, Bung said Sabah Umno would not work with GRS in the upcoming state election and that it would only consider working with the party after the state polls. Citing his party's 'dark and bitter' past with GRS, Bung said they needed to practise caution in working with the coalition again. PH and Barisan Nasional have already announced an alliance for the Sabah polls, which must be held by the end of the year. This prompted GRS to threaten to go solo. GRS and PH are currently allies in Hajiji's state government while BN sits in the opposition in the Sabah legislative assembly. However, PH chairman Anwar Ibrahim had expressed confidence that PH, BN and GRS would be able to agree on an alliance for the state election. Last week, the prime minister said discussions among the three coalitions were ongoing. Despite the negotiations, several Sabah BN and GRS leaders have traded barbs over the past few weeks, including Bung and Parti Solidariti Tanah Airku president Jeffrey Kitingan.
Free Malaysia Today
6 hours ago
- Free Malaysia Today
Where are you politicians now, says activist over Beng Hock case
Teoh Beng Hock was found dead on July 16, 2009 on the fifth floor of Plaza Masalam, Shah Alam, after being questioned for hours by MACC. (File pic) KUALA LUMPUR : An activist has hit out at Pakatan Harapan leaders and MPs over their purported silence on the death of Teoh Beng Hock, 15 years after the young political aide's death in custody. At a gathering of Teoh's family and civil society groups tonight, A Jayanath of Saya Anak Bangsa Malaysia issued a blunt message to politicians who once stood with the family as they sought justice. 'During a protest for Teoh in 2009, many politicians from the opposition were then present. But tonight I don't see any of them. 'This is something all of us need to understand – politicians will make use of any issue (for their own benefit),' he said at the Kuala Lumpur and Selangor Chinese Assembly Hall here, where the participants gathered to remember Teoh and demand accountability. Jayanath challenged those who once pledged support for Teoh to reflect on their role now that they are in government. He added that many of them had pledged to introduce institutional reforms once in power and ensure justice is served for Teoh. 'I am only making a very short speech — one call to these politicians. Tomorrow morning, can you please look at yourself in the mirror and ask what you are going to do about this? 'We have not seen (your efforts), and we are giving you one last chance to (ensure justice for Teoh).' Jayanath also called on those attending the gathering to take action by writing to their respective MPs and assemblymen to urge them to raise Teoh's case in Parliament or the state assemblies. Last week, the Teoh Beng Hock Association for Democratic Advancement urged all DAP ministers to resign in protest of the Attorney-General's Chambers' decision to classify the investigation into Teoh's case as requiring no further action, or NFA. The group said the ministers should also take responsibility on behalf of DAP for failing to fulfil the party's past promises involving Teoh. None of the DAP ministers have responded to the call yet. Teoh's sister, Lee Lan, also did not hold back in her remarks at the gathering, delivering a strong and emotional message to government leaders. 'Back then, all PH leaders told Malaysia that Teoh was murdered and that when they attain power, they will act on the case. 'But why was the investigation classified as NFA? This is a slap in the face for all PH supporters.' She also reminded Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim that he had promised to ensure justice for Teoh once appointed to the top post. Last month, Teoh's family was informed by police that their latest investigation into the case had been classified as NFA. Teoh was found dead on July 16, 2009 on the fifth floor of Plaza Masalam, Shah Alam, after being questioned for hours by the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC). An inquest was held and the coroner returned an open verdict. However, the Court of Appeal in 2014 ruled that Teoh's death was caused by 'one or more persons unknown', including MACC officers. While the police's latest investigation was classified as NFA, several quarters have questioned why the probe was launched under Section 342 of the Penal Code, which is for wrongful confinement.
