In a statement, MetMalaysia said the areas expected to be affected in Kelantan involved Tumpat, Kota Bharu and Bachok Pasir Puteh, while in Terengganu the areas are Besut, Setiu, Kuala Nerus and Kuala Terengganu.

It added that the wind from the northeast was expected to bring heavy rain that could cause floods in low-lying areas.

Meanwhile, deputy inspector-general of police Mazlan Lazim directed his personnel to cooperate with residents owning private boats in handling the evacuation of flood victims.

He said this was necessary as the boat owners were more knowledgeable about the affected areas.

“We need people with local knowledge because if floods occur, then the rescue teams like the police and fire brigade will not know much about the local terrain. So, with the presence of these people, it will further facilitate our operation to rescue and evacuate the flood victims.

“As such, I have instructed district police chiefs to get villagers with boats to register with the police,” he told reporters after a working visit to observe Op Benteng at the Malaysia-Thailand border in Sungai Golok here today.

Also present was Kelantan deputy police chief Muhamad Zaki Harun.

On flood rescue preparations in Kelantan, Mazlan said that, so far, there was sufficient manpower and assets to deal with the situation.