This bulletin is being issued for information only, and reflects the current situation and details available at this time. The Malaysian Red Crescent Society (MRCS), with the support of the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC), has determined that external assistance is not required, and is therefore not seeking funding or other assistance from donors at this time.
The situation
Malaysia has had increased weather activities since the development of the Kai-tak (also known as Urduja) storm that crossed through Philippines over the last few days. The lowpressure system developed into a tropical depression on 15 December 2017. Since 15 December 2017, Kai-tak has left significant damage in the Philippines with close to 300,000 people affected. In Sarawak, Malaysia, more than 426 people have been affected by flooding. The weather system has been moving westwards approaching the eastern coastal areas of Sabah and is expected to reach Peninsular Malaysia in the coming 24 hours. In the last hours, the depression has developed into a category one cyclone. The cyclone is expected to bring heavy rains and strong winds, which may lead to significant flooding, landslides and beach erosion, and affecting over 1.2 million people.