Public in Malaysia urged to take health precautions as Northeast Monsoon season sets in

Those experiencing symptoms such as fever, diarrhoea, vomiting, or muscle aches have been advised to seek medical attention promptly, particularly if exposed to floodwater.

The Ministry of Health Malaysia (MOH) has urged the public, particularly residents in flood-prone areas and those displaced by flooding, to take precautions against flood-related illnesses as the 2026/2027 Northeast Monsoon continues.

The monsoon, which began on 27 October 2026, is expected to last until March 2027. The Malaysian Meteorological Department (METMalaysia) has forecast three to five monsoon troughs during this period, potentially bringing heavy rainfall to the eastern and southern parts of Peninsular Malaysia, eastern Sabah, and western and southern Sarawak.

The risk of flooding could increase when prolonged rainfall coincides with high tides.

As of 6am on 9 November 2026, MOH said flooding had been reported in Selangor and Perak, affecting 987 people from 283 families. They were accommodated across seven active temporary evacuation centres (PPS).

Health precautions for flood-affected communities

MOH has advised residents to use clean and safe drinking water, consume thoroughly cooked food and avoid eating food that may have been contaminated by floodwater.

The public should also maintain personal and environmental hygiene by washing their hands frequently with soap and clean water, and avoiding direct contact with potentially contaminated floodwater.

Those experiencing symptoms such as fever, diarrhoea, vomiting, or muscle aches have been advised to seek medical attention promptly, particularly if they have been exposed to floodwater.

The ministry also reminded people with chronic conditions, older people, pregnant women, and children to ensure continuity of medical treatment and maintain sufficient medication supplies in case they need to relocate to evacuation centres.

Meanwhile, residents have been encouraged to look after their mental and emotional wellbeing and seek assistance from healthcare workers if they require psychosocial support. MOH warned against wading or playing in floodwater, citing the risks of injury, drowning and electric shock. The public should also follow instructions from the authorities and move to temporary evacuation centres when directed.

85 emergency medical teams prepared for deployment

Alongside its public health advisory, MOH said it has strengthened its preparedness to maintain healthcare services throughout the monsoon season.

The ministry's National Crisis Preparedness and Response Centre (CPRC) has been in Alert Mode since 27 October, with continuous monitoring of flood conditions, healthcare facility readiness and response coordination.

A total of 85 emergency medical teams comprising 387 personnel have been prepared for deployment. These include 36 Rapid Assessment Teams (RAT) and Health Rapid Response Teams (RRT), 34 Medical Rapid Response Teams (RRT), and 15 Mental Health and Psychosocial Support Teams (MHPSS).

The teams will conduct health risk assessments, provide emergency medical services, monitor and control infectious diseases, and deliver mental health and psychosocial support to flood victims.

MOH has also prepared 128 vehicles to support personnel mobilisation and field operations.

Healthcare facilities in flood-prone areas have been identified, with alternative facilities mapped out in case flooding disrupts operations. Preparations also include protecting medical equipment and planning for the early evacuation of high-risk patients, including pregnant women and those requiring haemodialysis treatment.

At temporary evacuation centres, healthcare teams will provide health assessments, infectious disease surveillance, environmental hygiene inspections, food and water safety checks, vector control and mental health support.

These measures aim to reduce the risk of flood-related illnesses, including diarrhoea, food poisoning, leptospirosis and respiratory infections.

Meanwhile, MOH said flood-related medicine supplies in concessionaire warehouses remain stable, with an estimated stock sufficient for one to three months. Monitoring and coordination of additional supplies will continue to ensure treatment needs are met.

The ministry said it would continue monitoring flood developments and working with relevant agencies to maintain healthcare preparedness and services in affected areas.

Lead image: MOH Facebook