Heavy rain, flash floods to continue in Penang amid monsoon transition

GEORGE TOWN – Frequent thunderstorms and the risk of flash floods are expected to persist in Penang until May, as Malaysia enters the monsoon transition period.

The Malaysian Meteorological Department has warned that this phase, which began on March 25, will last until May and could bring heavy rain and strong winds, particularly in the evenings and early in the night. The weather pattern marks the end of the 2024 to 2025 north-east monsoon, which started in November 2024.

During this period, light and variable winds from various directions can lead to the formation of thunderstorm clouds.

The storms are typically short but intense, and are likely to affect the west and interior regions of Peninsular Malaysia, as well as western Sabah and Sarawak.

In Penang, the effects have already been felt.

On April 16, heavy rainfall and high tides triggered flash floods in several low-lying areas across the state, with water surging into homes around midnight. Overflowing drains caused streets and porches to become submerged within an hour.

Retiree Ooi Kim Leng, 70, from Taman Siakap in Seberang Jaya, told Malaysian daily The Star that he had little time to act.

“I couldn’t sleep as water levels in the drain and on the road rose rapidly since it started raining at about midnight. By 3am, the front and back of my house were flooded, and wooden furniture was damaged.”

His neighbour, Mr Mohd Tahar Abdullah, 78, who has lived in the area for nearly 40 years, said residents are weary.

“We are tired – we have suffered (from) the floods for so many years.”

Padang Lalang assemblyman Daniel Gooi said several flood mitigation projects are under way.

“Among the solutions is the Jalan Tembikai flood mitigation project, which will be implemented by the Seberang Perai City Council.

“Temporary riverbank reinforcement has already been carried out along Jalan Bukit Minyak by the Penang Irrigation and Drainage Department,” he said. THE STAR/ASIA NEWS NETWORK