According to previous years, the monsoon cycle runs from the end of September to mid-October and from April to mid-May. The north-east monsoon season is from mid-October to March, while the south-west monsoon season is from the end of May to mid-September.
During the alternating monsoon season, violent storms and thunderstorms can occur in the late afternoon or evening along the west coast and inland areas of West Malaysia, the west coast of Sabah and western and central Sarawak.
Pouring rain, gusty winds, lightning, hail and waterspouts can also occur during the monsoon. Heavy storms and thunderstorms can also cause lightning and flooding, house damage, tree collapse and earth avalanches.
People are urged to avoid open areas during thunderstorms, not to take shelter under trees or park under trees, stay away from unstable buildings or objects, stay away from areas prone to flooding and avoid touching conductive objects.