KOTA KINABALU: The maritime community, especially in Sabah, has been advised to remain vigilant in view of the current monsoon transition period.

Sabah and Labuan Maritime director First Admiral Datuk Mohd Rosli Abdullah said that based on the forecast of the Malaysian Meteorological Department, the country would experience frequent rain and thunderstorms mainly in eastern Sabah during the transition period, which is expected to prevail up to November.

He said this was followed by the Northeast Monsoon this November which is expected to last until March next year causing high tides and rough seas.

"Eastern Sabah has been identified as one of the areas likely to be affected. Based on the weather forecast, all parts of Sabah are expected to receive average rainfall, except in Kudat and Sandakan where the rainfall is slightly above average in November and December," he said in a statement today.

-- BERNAMA