Malaysia Heatwave: MetMalaysia issues 'Level 1' alert for 10 areas nationwide

Hashini Kavishtri Kannan New Straits Times 25 Feb 19;

PUTRAJAYA: The Malaysian Meteorological Department (MetMalaysia) issued a Level 1 alert yesterday for ten areas in the country amidst the ongoing nationwide heatwave.

According to MetMalaysia’s official website, the Level 1 areas are Chuping (Perlis); Kubang Pasu, Kota Setar and Sik (Kedah); Hulu Perak, Kuala Kangsar and Kinta (Perak); Maran (Pahang); Kepong (Kuala Lumpur); and Muar (Johor).

The alerts were issued after the ten areas experienced maximum temperatures of between 35°C and 37°C for three consecutive days.

MetMalaysia’s weather overview for the month of Feb also reported that most of Peninsular Malaysia experienced dry conditions, with rainfall of less that 150mm.

“Perlis, southern Terengganu, Pahang, Selangor, Kuala Lumpur, Putrajaya, Negri Sembilan, Melaka and Johor are expected to receive less than average monthly rainfall (this month).

“Sabah is also expected to experience less than average rainfall in February.

“However, Kuching and Samarahan, Sarawak, are forecast to receive higher than average rainfall of between 600mm and 700mm,” the report added.

According to MetMalaysia, a Level 2 alert is issued when the maximum temperature exceeds 37°C for three consecutive days. Declared by the Energy, Science, Technology, Environment and Climate Change Ministry (MESTECC), the alert allows relevant agencies to take appropriate emergency action, such as closing schools.

A Level 3 alert is declared when the temperature exceeds 40°C for three consecutive days. The announcement would be made by the National Disaster Management Agency (Nadma) and paves the way for the Prime Minister to declare a state of emergency.