PETALING JAYA, Jan 7 (Sin Chew Daily) – Meteorological Department Malaysia (MetMalaysia) director-general Muhammad Helmi Abdullah said the La Niña phenomenon is currently happening in this country, resulting in a drastic increase in rainfall.

He predicted that the probability of the phenomenon lasting until this March to be as high as 95%.

Muhammad Helmi made the above prediction based on the latest development of the El Niño – Southern Oscillation (ENSO) (statistics updated on December 20, 2021).

This means the upcoming Chinese New Year festive season is expected to be humid and wet.

In a written reply to Sin Chew Daily, Muhammad Helmi said most weather forecast models in the world had also predicted weak La Niña and ENSO neutral conditions between April and June this year at 60% probability.

He said La Niña would bring variable effects to the weather based on its intensity, according to past studies.

Generally, the east coast of Peninsular Malaysia and eastern Sabah will experience heavy rainfall during the northeast monsoon, he added.

He urged the public to keep abreast of the latest weather conditions issued by MetMalaysia on social media as well as print and electronic media reports.

Members of the public can download the MyCuaca app for the latest updates on weather conditions, or call MetMalaysia’s 24-hours hotline 1-300-22-1638.