The Malaysian Meteorological Department (MetMalaysia) anticipates monsoon surge to begin on Jan 7 or 8, with possible continuous heavy rainfall up to three days over certain states, especially Johor, Sabah and Sarawak.

Its director-general, Che Gayah Ismail, however, said that the exact date could only be determined two or three days before it began.

"Normally, monsoon surge occur four or five times during the monsoon season. This year, it began in November 2014 and is expected to end by March 2015," she told Bernama today.

Che Gayah also said the department had stationed a meteorologist at the National Security Council to provide the officials with latest information on current weather phenomenon, including the monsoon surges.

"We will also update from time to time the information on our official website www.met.gov.my or on our page on Facebook and Twitter," she said.

In a statement concerning the same issue, Science, Technology and Innovation Minister Dr Ewon Ebin advised the people in flood-prone areas to remain alert of the latest weather condition.

"The public are also advised not to fall easily for false information on weather condition or tsunami warnings being circulating through social media," he said.

- Bernama