THE Ministry of Public Works (KKR) has identified 145 locations across Malaysia affected by the Northeast Monsoon, including 63 federal roads and 82 state roads, as of 10am today.
The incidents encompass floods, flash floods, landslides, road collapses, subsidence, and a damaged bridge.
Minister of Public Works, Datuk Seri Alexander Nanta Linggi, said, “Of the total, we recorded 82 flood sites, 32 flash floods, 16 landslides, nine road collapses, five cases of subsidence, and one damaged bridge.”
He added that the ministry’s disaster operations centre has been activated 24 hours a day to ensure continuous monitoring.
Commenting on a sinkhole at Lebuh SPA near the route to Universiti Teknikal Malaysia Melaka (UTeM), the minister explained, “Initial investigations show the incident, which occurred late Saturday night, was due to a collapsed culvert structure, causing road subsidence.
Repair works will begin immediately and may take two to three months. We have agreed to review the entire drainage system along this stretch to prevent future issues.”
Regarding a landslide in Cameron Highlands, he noted that the area falls under state jurisdiction but JKR is ready to provide technical assistance.
“Our teams have visited the site to compile reports on the cause and conditions of the affected area,” he said.
Meanwhile, the Malaysian Meteorological Department (MetMalaysia) issued a tropical trough warning for strong winds and rough seas in the South China Sea.
The trough was detected at 11am at latitude 6.7°N and longitude 109.4°E, approximately 518 kilometres northwest of Mukah, Sarawak, moving northeast at 19 km/h with maximum winds of 46 km/h.
In a related development, fifteen Malaysian tow trucks have been granted permission to enter Thailand to recover vehicles stranded by floods in Hat Yai.
Thai insurance operator Ammar Wafiy Johari confirmed the approval, coordinated via the Malaysian Consulate General in Songkhla.
“Previously, Malaysian tow trucks were not allowed to enter Thailand, but in this situation, the consulate discussed with the Thai authorities to allow our trucks into Hat Yai.
“We estimate there are more than 200 Malaysian vehicles stuck there following the floods since 22 November,” he said.
Fifteen vehicles have been recovered so far, with around 45 vehicles potentially retrievable per day, depending on condition.
Owners must provide road tax, vehicle insurance, and customs documents to release the vehicles. Challenges include locating vehicles moved or swept by floodwaters, and safely loading them onto tow trucks using support tyres.
Tow truck operator Mohd Akmal Aniq Shahabudin explained, “When we find a car, some are blocked or trapped under other vehicles. We try to ensure any parts that can still be saved are not damaged.”
Malaysian Consul General in Songkhla, Ahmad Fahmi Ahmad Sarkawi, previously reported over 500 Malaysian-owned vehicles stranded in Hat Yai due to the floods, prompting the government to request the assistance of Malaysian tow trucks. - November 30, 2025
