Did you know? Every home should have one flood emergency bag. Here's the checklist MetMalaysia recommends

The 2026 Northeast Monsoon began on 27 October, and MetMalaysia expects it to last until March 2027, with 3 to 5 episodes of continuous heavy rain between November and January. Low-lying areas and homes near rivers face the highest risk.

If the water rises at midnight, you won't have time to dig through the wardrobe for your birth certificate. That's why MetMalaysia uses a simple slogan: 1 Rumah 1 Beg Kecemasan (one home, one emergency bag). Pack it now, while the weather is still kind.

The recommended checklist

MetMalaysia's infographic lists these basics. The Malaysia Civil Defence Force (APM) also regularly reminds residents to keep an emergency bag with important documents and basic clothing.

• A waterproof bag. Everything else is useless if it gets soaked. A regular backpack works too, as long as the contents are wrapped in plastic.
• A document case. IC, birth certificates, marriage certificate, house or car grants, insurance policies and bank books. Seal them in a zip-lock bag or waterproof folder. Snap a photo of each one and keep copies on your phone or in cloud storage as a backup.
• A torchlight and batteries. Power is usually cut in flooded areas, and a torch is far safer than candles.
• An emergency kit. Plasters, gauze, antiseptic and basic medicine such as fever tablets.
• A whistle. It carries further than your voice and won't wear you out when you need to call for help.
• Long-lasting food. Energy bars, biscuits, canned food (with a can opener) and formula milk if you have little ones.
• Mineral water. Tap water may be contaminated during a flood, so bring bottled water.
• Phone and power bank. Your phone is your lifeline for alerts and emergency calls. Keep the power bank fully charged and check it every month.
• A hygiene kit. Toothbrush, soap, a small towel, pads or diapers, and hand sanitiser.
• A battery-powered mini radio. Handy when mobile coverage drops.
• Some cash. ATMs and e-wallets may not work when power or internet goes down.
• One set of clothes. Include a raincoat and comfortable slippers or shoes.

Don't forget daily medication

If you or a family member has a chronic condition like diabetes or high blood pressure, pack a few days' supply of medicine, along with a copy of the prescription or clinic appointment card. It makes life much easier for doctors at the temporary relief centre (PPS) if you have to evacuate before you can reach a pharmacy.

Baby medicine, spare glasses and hearing aids are easy to forget too. Write a short list and stick it on the wardrobe door.

Where to keep it

Store the bag somewhere high and easy to grab, close to the exit. Make sure everyone at home knows where it is. Check the contents every few months: swap out food and medicine nearing expiry, and recharge the power bank.

The MyGOV portal also advises you to find your nearest PPS now, and head there promptly once you're told to evacuate. Don't wait for things to get worse.

How to check flood status

• Public Infobanjir (JPS): publicinfobanjir.water.gov.my shows river water levels by station.
• myCuaca app (MetMalaysia): location-based forecasts and weather warnings.
• Emergency lines: 999 (MERS) and 991 (APM).

Want to know what Waspada, Buruk and Bahaya alerts mean? Read our guide to MetMalaysia weather alert levels.

Did you know? According to the US National Weather Service, just 15 cm (six inches, roughly ankle height) of fast-moving water can knock over and carry off an adult. And 30 cm (twelve inches) can float a small car. So never wade or drive through floodwater, even if it looks shallow.

The bottom line

An emergency bag isn't a sign of panic, it's a sign of being ready. Spend 30 minutes this weekend gathering the items above and leave the bag by the door. Hopefully you won't need it at all this season.