Another MMD warning today showed that winds were expected to hit 50km/h resulting in rough seas off Penang and Kedah, with waves to hit as high as 3.5m. Small boats are told to steer clear of the waters.

The department defines continuous rain as rain exceeding six hours with rainfall calculated to be beyond the threshold of 60mm, according to a MMD circular posted online.

In view of the current situation, state Environment and Welfare Committee chairman Phee Boon Poh said all district offices across the state were on high alert to face eventualities such as floods and natural disasters.

He said the readiness was at 100% as all parties, including federal authorities, had met last week to discuss evacuation preparedness for this week’s expected bad weather.

Meanwhile, as at 3.30pm, Penang’s Fire and Rescue Department had yet to report on any incidences of floods although heavy rains are falling throughout the island and mainland.