Malaysia experienced another rare tropical weather event this week when Tropical Storm Senyar made landfall along the west coast of Peninsular Malaysia before weakening into a low-pressure system.
According to Malaysian Meteorological Department (MET Malaysia), Senyar formed over the Strait of Malacca before making landfall and dissipating, though its remnants continue to bring rain as it moves toward Pahang.
Heavy rain warnings remain in effect and residents in vulnerable areas have been urged to stay alert.
But did you know Malaysia has actually experienced two other tropical storms before Senyar, even though this is highly unusual for a region that typically lies outside cyclone paths?
Tropical Storm Senyar (2025): A rare formation in the Strait of Malacca
According to the MET Malaysia, Senyar developed unusually over the Strait of Malacca before intensifying and making landfall shortly after 1am between Banting and Port Dickson.
The storm weakened rapidly as it moved inland, but its remnants are still producing periods of rain as the low-pressure system drifts toward Pahang.
Continuous heavy rain warnings remain active across several states, and residents in flood-prone areas have been urged to remain cautious as unsettled weather continues.
Tropical Storm Senyar also caused disruptions in Negeri Sembilan, particularly in Seremban and Port Dickson, after bringing continuous heavy rain, strong winds and rough seas.
The Fire and Rescue Department (JBPM) reported of a landslide at Jalan Bukit Berlian 2 around 3.55am, forcing six residents to evacuate, along with several incidents of fallen trees that led to injuries and property damage.
The storm also contributed to rising flood numbers across multiple states, with Selangor, Terengganu, Kedah and Perak reporting an increase in evacuees.
Senyar’s formation is significant because it is the first documented tropical storm to originate directly over the Strait of Malacca.
Tropical Storm Vamei (2001): A storm that “shouldn’t exist”
In December 2001, Tropical Storm Vamei stunned meteorologists by forming extremely close to the equator near Johor.
Vamei developed at approximately 1.4°N, a latitude widely believed to be too close to the equator for tropical cyclone formation. Its unusual origin continues to appear in meteorological studies and scientific literature worldwide.
Vamei made landfall on December 27, 2001, producing widespread flooding and landslides across Johor and Pahang.
More than 13,000 people were evacuated, and at least 5 people were killed, including victims of a landslide at Gunung Pulai.
Homes, roads, farms, and public facilities sustained RM13.7 million in damages, while Singapore also saw heavy rainfall, fallen trees and flight delays.
Tropical Storm Greg (1996): One of the deadliest natural disasters
Five years before Vamei, Malaysia experienced one of the most devastating storms in its history when Tropical Storm Greg struck Sabah on December 26, 1996.
It swept across the west coast of Sabah, bringing intense rainfall and destructive winds to districts including Keningau, Tenom, Beaufort, Tuaran and Kota Kinabalu.
The storm caused catastrophic floods and landslides that destroyed homes and infrastructure across several communities.
Reports widely cite more than 200 deaths and over 100 missing persons, with more than 25,000 residents displaced. Entire villages were damaged or swept away, and economic losses amounted to hundreds of millions of Ringgit.
Greg remains a significant reference point in Malaysia’s disaster-risk history and continues to be cited in disaster-preparedness planning.
A rare pattern that cannot be ignored
With Senyar joining Vamei and Greg, Malaysia has now experienced 3 documented tropical storms within the last three decades.
While Senyar is far less destructive, its sudden development in the Strait of Malacca reinforces the fact that unusual tropical weather systems are becoming part of Malaysia’s climate reality.
Meteorologists continue to examine how atmospheric patterns are shifting and how these rare storms are finding pathways into the region.
MET Malaysia has urged the public to monitor official updates through its website, mobile app and verified social media channels as the monsoon season progresses.
