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With the northeast monsoon expected to persist until March 2026, safety at sea remains a top priority. MPA and MetMalaysia have issued detailed guidance to help the public and maritime community stay prepared amid stronger winds, rougher seas, and heavier rain.
The northeast monsoon has set in and, according to the Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore (MPA), is expected to continue until March 2026. During this period, members of the public can expect occasional strong winds, choppy seas and moderate to heavy rainfall. MPA is advising the public, port users, and maritime industry workers to stay alert, take precautions and ensure vessels and equipment are ready for changing weather conditions.
Safety reminders for ferry passengers
Passengers travelling on ferries or other vessels are urged to follow basic safety practices. According to MPA, these include keeping three-point contact when boarding and disembarking, staying seated during the journey, securing personal items, and taking note of life jacket and emergency exit locations. In an emergency, passengers are reminded to remain calm and follow crew instructions.
What vessel masters and crew should prioritise
MPA highlighted that masters of passenger craft and regional ferries should stay vigilant and ensure crews maintain a proper lookout while observing safe speeds. Embarkation and disembarkation procedures should be followed closely, and safety briefings must be given before departure so that passengers know what to do if weather conditions worsen.
Recreational users advised to take precautions
For those heading out for sea activities such as kayaking, canoeing, sailing and windsurfing, MPA’s guidance is clear. Life jackets must be worn at all times. Users should check weather forecasts and tidal conditions and run pre-activity equipment checks. MPA also advises the public to avoid water activities during bad weather. Operators have the right to decline service if conditions are unsafe or if users pose a safety risk. Operators should also keep their craft well maintained and provide proper safety briefings before activities begin.
Guidance for port users and commercial vessels
MPA reminded shipowners, operators, masters and crew to secure vessels and cargo properly and ensure that all firefighting and life-saving appliances are working. These requirements align with the International Convention for the Safety of Life at Sea (SOLAS) and Singapore Port Regulations. Vessel operators are also reminded to adhere to safe speeds, observe the International Regulations for Preventing Collisions at Sea (COLREGS) and maintain proper mooring arrangements.
At anchorage, crew should stay alert to changing conditions, keep engines ready and wear life jackets when boarding or disembarking.
Stepped-up inspections during the season
To strengthen safety readiness during the monsoon period, MPA inspectors will increase safety checks on ferries, harbour craft and pleasure craft. Inspections will cover vessel conditions, embarkation and disembarkation processes, the state of firefighting and life-saving equipment as well as the overall preparedness of operators in the event of an emergency.
Regional weather: What MetMalaysia reports for 2025 to 2026
The Malaysian Meteorological Department (METMalaysia) has released its long-range weather outlook for December 2025 to May 2026. The forecast is based on the combined results of several climate prediction models, including those from the NCEP Coupled Forecast System Model Version 2, the JMA Ensemble Prediction System, the World Meteorological Organisation Multi-Model Ensemble and the European Centre for Medium-Range Weather Forecasts, among others.
Climate drivers influencing the season
According to MetMalaysia, key global climate drivers were taken into account. These include the El Niño Southern Oscillation (ENSO), the Madden–Julian Oscillation (MJO) and the Indian Ocean Dipole (IOD).
MetMalaysia reports that the Oceanic Niño Index (ONI) for August, September and October 2025 was recorded at minus 0.5 degrees celsius in the Niño 3.4 region. The latest weekly sea surface temperature anomaly up to 19 November 2025 showed a further cooling trend with a value of negative 0.8 degrees celsius. These readings indicate that sea surface temperatures in the tropical pacific have reached La Niña thresholds. A weak La Niña phase is currently developing and is expected to persist until at least February 2026. After this period, the likelihood of a transition to ENSO-neutral conditions increases.
Impact of the northeast monsoon
The northeast monsoon began on 13 November 2025. MetMalaysia notes that during the early phase of the season, several significant weather events were observed. Monsoon surges occurred alongside the development of low-pressure systems. This combination led to prolonged heavy rainfall, which caused high rainfall totals and flooding in many parts of Peninsular Malaysia. The affected states included Kelantan, Terengganu, Perlis, Kedah, Penang, Perak and Selangor.
Expected conditions from December 2025 to March 2026
MetMalaysia warned that similar weather patterns may occur again in the months ahead. If monsoon surges and low-pressure systems coincide, the intensity and duration of rainfall may increase. Conditions may worsen further when these events overlap with high tidal phases. For the entire 2025 and 2026 northeast monsoon season, between five and seven monsoon surge episodes are anticipated.
MetMalaysia also cautioned that persistent and strong northeasterly winds may produce rough sea conditions and high waves in the South China Sea.
Strengthening a culture of safety at sea
MPA reiterated that safety at sea is a shared responsibility. Captain Chong Jia Chyuan, Port Master, MPA, advised that this monsoon season requires everyone to remain vigilant and plan their activities with caution. MPA continues to work closely with the maritime community to strengthen safety practices.
The National Maritime Safety at Sea Council (NMSSC) also plays a key role by advising MPA on safety matters and working with industry groups. In July 2025, three safety forums were organised as part of International Safety at Sea Week to raise awareness among pleasure craft users, harbour craft operators, and regional ferry operators.
Ishak Ismail, Chairman, NMSSC, said: “The northeast monsoon brings challenging conditions that demand extra vigilance from our entire maritime community.”
A collective effort during unpredictable weather
Both MPA and MetMalaysia emphasised that the monsoon season is a time for heightened awareness, steady preparation and collective responsibility. Whether travelling by ferry, enjoying water activities or operating a commercial vessel, everyone should take the necessary precautions and follow safety guidelines.
With mindful planning and a shared commitment to looking out for one another, communities can move through the monsoon months with greater confidence and care.
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