The rainy season is expected to prolong up to early March during the current North-East Monsoon period, according to the Malaysian Meteorological Department.  

It said in a statement that heavy rain could fall in Kelantan, Terengganu, eastern Pahang and Johor (Segamat, Mersing, Kluang, Batu Pahat and Kota Tinggi) in early January, while thunderstorms were expected in the evening and early at night on the west coast of peninsular Malaysia.  

Sabah and Sarawak would experience heavy rain in January and February, especially in the north and east of Sabah and in west and central Sarawak, it added.

The department warned that the rain could result in floods in low-lying areas.  

For Chinese New Year on Feb 10 and 11, the department forecasts thunderstorms here and there in the evening and at night in Perak, Selangor, Kuala Lumpur, Putrajaya, Negri Sembilan, Malacca and western Johor.  

The weather in Perlis, Kedah, Penang, Kelantan and Terengganu was expected to be fine during the celebration period, it said.

- Bernama