KUALA LUMPUR, Jan 15 — Cold monsoon surges from mainland China have brought temperatures down to a record 18 degrees Celsius in several parts of the country over the past few days, the Malaysian Meteorological Department (MetMalaysia) said.
Its director-general Dr Mohd Hisham Mohd Anip said data showed minimum temperatures in most areas were below normal, dropping three to five degrees Celsius between Jan 10 and 13.
He added that similar conditions could recur from Jan 19 to 21, depending on wind surge patterns.
“Temperatures have returned to normal this morning. Not only in Dungun, Terengganu, but also in interior areas such as Dabong and Gua Musang in Kelantan, temperatures of 18 degrees Celsius were recorded.
“The current slightly cool temperatures are normal due to winds coming from colder regions,” he said when contacted by Bernama.
Mohd Hisham said the low temperatures mostly occurred in the early hours and the public need not be overly concerned about the situation.
Earlier, a check by Bernama found that residents in Dungun, particularly in rural areas, had been experiencing unusually cold temperatures in the early morning since last Sunday.
The mercury, dropping to between 18 and 20 degrees Celsius, has seen locals donning thick jackets to keep warm.
