NATURAL Resources and Environmental Sustainability Minister Datuk Seri Arthur Joseph Kurup today reminded all Malaysians that the Northeast Monsoon (MTL) phase, which started yesterday, is expected to continue until March 2027.
During the early phase of this monsoon, from November 2026 to January 2027, three to five episodes of continuous heavy rain are expected that could cause flooding in low-lying areas and near rivers, as well as rough seas and rising sea levels in the South China Sea.
“Subsequently, as the MTL phase approaches from January to March 2027, rainfall is expected to decrease significantly, especially in the northern states of Peninsular Malaysia and also in Sabah.
“This transition will bring hotter and drier weather, with the potential to trigger more extreme heatwaves due to the strong El Niño phenomenon affecting the region.
“Therefore, I hope that the public remains prepared, prioritises safety, and remains vigilant for any weather changes that occur throughout the 2026/2027 MTL,” he said in a statement.
He urged the public to obtain accurate and up-to-date information, advice, forecasts, and weather warnings from the Malaysian Meteorological Department (MET Malaysia) through their official website www.met.gov.my, myCuaca smart app, their official social media, or the hotline at 1-300-22-1638. – October 28, 2026
