Flood preparedness in Malaysia: understanding the challenges and solutions

Floods are one of the most frequent natural disasters affecting Malaysia, occurring nearly every year, particularly during the monsoon season. With a tropical climate characterized by humid weather, Malaysia experiences average daily temperatures ranging from 21°C to 32°C. Its annual rainfall, which constitutes about 80% of the year's weather, ranges between 2000mm and 2500mm. This high rainfall is largely influenced by two monsoon seasons: • The Southwest Monsoon (May to September), driven by winds from the Indian Ocean. • The Northeast Monsoon (November to March), influenced by winds from the South China Sea.