THE Ministry of Health Malaysia (MOH) said it was prepared to address potential flooding throughout the Northeast Monsoon (NEM), which began on October 27, 2026, and is expected to continue until March 2027.
During this period, the Malaysian Meteorological Department (MetMalaysia) anticipates three to five monsoon surges, which could bring heavy rainfall, particularly to the eastern and southern regions of Peninsular Malaysia, eastern Sabah, and the western and southern parts of Sarawak.
The risk of flooding may increase if persistent rainfall coincides with high-tide phenomena.
“The MOH has placed 85 emergency medical teams comprising 387 personnel on standby nationwide as it prepares for potential flooding during the Northeast Monsoon.
“Preparations include identifying flood-prone healthcare facilities, arranging alternative treatment locations and planning early evacuations for vulnerable patients, including pregnant women and those requiring haemodialysis,” it said in a statement.
The National Crisis Preparedness and Response Centre (CPRC) had been on alert since Oct 27, with flood monitoring and healthcare response coordination continuing nationwide.
Preparations also included protecting medical equipment and assets from flood damage to minimise disruptions to essential healthcare services.
A total 128 vehicles had been prepared to support personnel deployment and field operations, while medicine supplies at concession suppliers' warehouses remained stable, with stocks estimated to last between one and three months.
At temporary flood relief centres, the ministry is conducting health assessments, infectious disease surveillance, environmental hygiene inspections, food and water safety checks and vector control.
These measures are aimed at reducing the risk of flood-related illnesses, including diarrhoea, food poisoning, leptospirosis and respiratory infections.
The ministry advised residents in flood-prone areas to avoid contaminated food and water, maintain personal hygiene and seek immediate treatment if they develop symptoms such as fever, vomiting, diarrhoea or muscle pain.
It also urged those with chronic illnesses, pregnant women and elderly residents to ensure continuity of treatment and sufficient medication supplies during evacuation.
As of 3.41 pm today, the Social Welfare Department's InfoBencana portal stated that 583 flood victims from 163 families were sheltering at four temporary relief centres in Selangor. – November 9, 2026
