Heavy rain alert: how to use Motorist Malaysia traffic cameras to avoid flooded roads
Non-stop rain in Malaysia can quickly turn a simple drive into a stressful, and even dangerous, experience. For motorists, the fear of hitting a flooded road is a constant worry, potentially leading to vehicle damage or a dangerous stall.
The good news? You no longer have to rely on guesswork or dangerous scouting. By leveraging real-time traffic cameras from platforms like Motorist Malaysia, you can proactively check road conditions and navigate safely around rising water.
Here is your essential guide to staying safe and flood-free during heavy downpours.
Your Digital Lifeline: Motorist Malaysia Traffic Cameras
The Motorist Malaysia app is a powerful tool for Malaysian drivers, especially when the weather takes a turn for the worse. One of its most valuable features is access to live traffic camera feeds across major highways and key city areas.
How to Check for Flooded Roads in Real-Time:
Download the App: Ensure you have the latest version of the Motorist Malaysia app installed on your smartphone.
Access Traffic Cameras: Navigate to the "Traffic Cameras" feature within the app.
Monitor Key Areas: The app allows you to view feeds from major Malaysian highways like PLUS Utara, NKVE, and other critical routes.
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Look for Water Accumulation: By watching the live stream, you can visually confirm the amount of standing water on the road. Look for signs like:
Reduced Visibility: Extremely poor visibility indicates very heavy rain or water spray.
Cars Pushing a Bow Wave: If vehicles are creating a large wave on either side, the water is too deep to safely cross.
Lane Pools: Water tends to pool in the outer-most lanes. Be cautious if you see significant accumulation.
Find Alternative Routes: If a camera confirms a section of road is flooded or traffic is at a standstill due to rising water (like a SMART Tunnel closure alert), use the app's real-time traffic updates to immediately map a safer, alternative path.
Pro-Tip: Platforms like Jalan Now and the Lembaga Lebuhraya Malaysia (LLM) also aggregate live camera feeds, offering another layer of confirmation for major highway conditions.
What to Do When the Rain Won't Stop
A non-stop downpour demands extra caution. Your primary goal is to maintain control and avoid deep water at all costs.
Essential Wet Weather Driving Safety Tips:
Action |
Why It's Crucial |
Reduce Speed |
Wet roads significantly reduce tyre traction. Slower speeds prevent aquaplaning (hydroplaning) and increase your reaction time. |
Increase Following Distance |
Braking distance is much longer in the rain. Maintain at least a 4-second gap from the car in front of you. |
Turn on Headlights |
Use your low-beam headlights. This is not just for you to see, but to make your vehicle visible to others. Avoid using hazard lights while driving. |
Check Tyres |
Ensure your tyre treads are adequate (recommended to be more than 2mm) to effectively displace water and maintain grip. |
Avoid Cruise Control |
In wet conditions, automatic acceleration can cause you to lose control if the car aquaplanes. |
Stay in Center Lanes |
Water often pools in the outer lanes due to road camber. The middle lanes are typically higher and safer. |
Navigating a Flooded Section (If Unavoidable)
Do NOT attempt to cross if the water is deeper than the bottom of your door or the centre of your wheel hub. This is the surest way to stall your engine and cause irreparable damage.
Drive Slowly and Constantly: If the water is shallow, proceed at a slow, steady speed (low gear, constant accelerator pressure) to prevent water from entering the exhaust pipe.
Check Brakes Afterwards: Once clear of the water, gently pump your brakes a few times to dry the brake pads and ensure they are functioning properly.
Plan Ahead: The Ultimate Safety Checklist
Before your next journey during the monsoon season, adopt this proactive checklist:
Check the Motorist App: Review live traffic cameras and community updates for your intended route before leaving the house.
Check Weather Forecasts: Stay updated on heavy rain and flash flood warnings for the day.
Inspect Your Vehicle: Ensure your wiper blades are not cracked, your headlights are working, and your tyre treads are in good condition.
Prepare Emergency Contacts: Have numbers for roadside assistance and emergency services saved.
By combining vigilance with the real-time power of the Motorist Malaysia traffic camera feature, you can significantly reduce the anxiety and danger associated with driving in non-stop rain and confidently avoid the peril of flooded roads.
Read More: New traffic rules for Malaysia in 2026
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