IN MALAYSIA, we frequently experience strong winds, heavy rain, and thunderstorms. However, while tornadoes are often heard of, they are rarely seen because the country is located outside the path of hurricanes.
Recently, viral videos surfaced showing “tornado-like” winds affecting two villages in Kedah. This weather phenomenon was said to have damaged properties and tore off roofs.
Did this really happen?
Verdict:
TRUE
Pendang District Civil Defense Force (APM) officer Lt Yuslina Yusoff confirmed that strong winds had damaged four houses in Kampung Kobah and two in Kampung Bukit Cepat.
He said heavy rain and strong winds in the area, which began at about 2.45pm, caused storms to affect a few villages.
"The Pendang District Operations Control Centre received a report regarding the storm in Kampung Bukit Cepat and Kampung Kobah at 6.51pm.
"No temporary evacuation centre has been opened so far, and we advise the public to be careful and contact the relevant authorities in case of an emergency," he said.
Two videos showing the incident in Pendang and another in Kampung Padang Besar, Yan went viral on social media.
Muhammad Hafizudin Salim, 30, said the incident in Pendang happened around 4pm after he had just returned home from work, reported Sinar Harian.
According to him, his father, Salim Md Hassan, 69, and his mother, Rokiah Aziz, 64, were resting outside the house at the time of the incident.
"The tornado-like wind lasted less than five minutes, but it blew off the roof of the house and damaged everything inside.
"This is the second time it has happened (the tornado). The first time was in 2012, but it was not as bad as this," he said.
