BINTULU: The Bintulu Divisional Disaster Management Committee (JPBB) has intensified its readiness measures ahead of the Northeast Monsoon (MTL) 2025/2026, which is expected to bring prolonged heavy rain, strong winds and potential flooding across low-lying and coastal areas.

Chaired by Acting Bintulu Resident, Abang Zainuddin Abang Turkey, the meeting held at Bilik Sri Bintulu today gathered district officers, enforcement agencies and technical departments to review response plans, operational coordination and resource mobilisation for the monsoon season.

According to the Malaysian Meteorological Department (MET) Bintulu, the monsoon began on 13 November 2025 and is expected to continue until March 2026, with five to seven episodes of continuous heavy rainfall forecast throughout the period.

MET warned that multi-day downpours could trigger flash floods and river overflows, particularly in low-lying settlements and riverbank communities.

Abang Zainuddin emphasised that all agencies must maintain full preparedness, covering logistics, communication channels, on-ground deployment and rapid-response protocols.

He also urged residents to stay alert to all official advisories and weather warnings issued by MET Malaysia via mainstream media, the MET portal, the MyCuaca mobile application and verified social media channels.

JPBB Bintulu has updated its operational plans based on previous flood experiences, ensuring every agency is aligned in terms of roles, communication hierarchy and emergency activation procedures.

This includes reviewing the availability of rescue assets, boats, heavy vehicles, food supplies and essential emergency equipment.

With a higher risk outlook for the monsoon season this year, the public is advised to take early precautions such as tracking river water levels, preparing emergency grab-bags and prioritising personal and family safety at all times. -UKASnews