State fire and rescue director Md Ali Ismail said the warning, which comes into effect tomorrow, stated that the condition would cause cold winds to surge southwards from Siberia.

This was expected to trigger continuous rain in the state, particularly in its northern part and the east coast.

“This situation can potentially cause flooding and landslides, among other hazards,” Ali said in a statement here today.

The department has also stationed its assets at strategic locations, he added.

“We will monitor the situation and coordinate with other agencies under the state disaster management committee in the event of emergencies.”

MetMalaysia’s warning on its social media said the monsoon surge was expected to occur between Dec 27 and Jan 2, and that there would be a low-pressure weather system in the South China Sea.

This would cause incessant rain in eastern Sabah as well as in the western part in Sarawak from Dec 29-31.

The peninsula’s east coast states of Johor, Pahang, Terengganu and Kelantan were also forecast to experience bad weather from Dec 30 to Jan 2.

As such, Ali advised those living in areas prone to flooding and landslides to be on their guard.

While it was the holiday season now, he urged people to postpone plans to travel to these places for picnics, hiking or camping until the weather improved.