Zahid, who chairs the central disaster management committee, said despite the more favourable forecast, the government remains focussed on proactive measures, including strengthening early warning and evacuation systems to ensure that residents in flood-prone areas are relocated before water levels rise.

“According to the meteorological department (MetMalaysia), the impact of the northeast monsoon this year may be less severe, but effective preparations must still be carried out,” Zahid told reporters after officiating the opening of SME Venture Asean 2025.

“Preparation is important because we want to save lives, important documents, and property,” he said.

“With the help of MetMalaysia, we will have an early warning system to ensure that relocation is carried out before the water rises.”

Zahid said RM2.205 billion had been allocated for flood management next year, with RM460 million channelled to the National Disaster Management Agency (Nadma).

“The important thing is not the size of the allocation, but the impact of what the government does and how it is received by the public,” he said.

He urged residents in flood-prone areas to cooperate with the authorities, including Nadma, state and district officials, and rescue agencies.