Heavy rain to lash parts of Kedah, Penang, Perak, Pahang, Johor, Sarawak and Sabah this afternoon

KUALA LUMPUR, Nov 12 — The Malaysian Meteorological Department (MetMalaysia) has issued thunderstorm alerts covering parts of seven states this afternoon, warning residents of heavy rain, lightning, and strong winds until 5:00 PM. The alert, released at 2:30 PM, encompasses Kedah, Penang, Perak, Pahang, Johor, Sarawak, and Sabah.

In northern Malaysia, the alert covers numerous districts in Kedah, including Kubang Pasu, Padang Terap, Sik, Yan, Baling, Kulim, and Bandar Baharu. Central Penang is also on alert, with all three main administrative districts - Seberang Perai Utara, Seberang Perai Tengah, and Seberang Perai Selatan - expected to experience unstable weather conditions.

Perak residents are warned for Larut, Matang and Selama, Kuala Kangsar, Manjung, Perak Tengah, and Hilir Perak. Pahang's interior and highlands, including Cameron Highlands, Lipis, Raub, and Bentong, are also under the storm's influence. Johor Bahru, Kulai, and Pontian in Johor are expected to face adverse weather conditions.

In East Malaysia, Sarawak's broad tracts are affected in areas like Serian, Kuching (including Kuching and Bau), Samarahan (covering Samarahan, Asajaya, Simunjan, and Gedong), Sri Aman (encompassing Pantu and Lubok Antu), and Sarikei (with Julau and Maradong). Central and coastal divisions in both Sarawak and Sabah, including Sibu, Mukah, Sibu (with Kanowit), Mukah (Dalat, Daro, Matu), and Song (Kapit division), are also under the storm's warning.

In Sabah, the storm warning spans the Interior Division around Pensiangan, Tongod in Sandakan, and the southeastern districts of Tawau and Kalabakan. Each thunderstorm warning from MetMalaysia is a high-priority, short-term advisory issued when rain-bearing clouds indicate imminent precipitation of over 20 millimetres per hour or when heavy showers are expected to last longer than an hour. Each alert remains valid for a six-hour operational window from the time of issuance.