Tropical Storm Senyar, also known as Cyclone Senyar or “Lion,” is currently affecting the west coast of Peninsular Malaysia, bringing continuous heavy rain, strong winds, and rough seas, according to the Malaysian Meteorological Department (MetMalaysia).
The storm was detected at Latitude 3.6° North and Longitude 100.4° East, approximately 94 kilometres northeast of Tanjung Balai, Indonesia, moving eastward at 9 km/h with maximum wind speeds of 46 km/h. It is now located around 102 km southwest of Lumut, Perak, moving east-southeast at 24 km/h, continuing to produce heavy rainfall and strong winds.
Senyar formed in the Strait of Malacca on November 26, an unusual occurrence due to its proximity to the equator. The last similar event in the area was Cyclone Vamei in 2001.
Several west coast states—including Kedah, Penang, Perak, Selangor, Kuala Lumpur, Putrajaya, Melaka, and Johor—are experiencing the storm’s effects, with rough seas and potentially hazardous conditions. Continuous rain warnings are in effect from November 27 to 29, with northern states facing the highest flood risks and Selangor likely to experience localized flooding in areas such as Sekinchan.
Maritime operations have been disrupted, with ferry and small boat services halted, and waves reported as high as 4.5 metres.
Across the ASEAN region, at least 107 fatalities have been reported, with total losses estimated to exceed USD 366 million.
Authorities are advising the public to avoid beach and riverside activities, monitor updates through MetMalaysia, the myCuaca app, or the hotline 1-300-22-1638, and to prepare emergency kits while following any evacuation orders.
