KUALA LUMPUR, Dec. 24 -- The Malaysian Meteorological Department (MetMalaysia) has issued a thunderstorm warning for several areas nationwide, with heavy rain, thunderstorms and strong winds expected to persist until 9pm tonight.

In a statement issued at 6.10pm, MetMalaysia said the affected areas include Kedah (Kulim and Bandar Baharu); Penang (Seberang Perai Utara, Seberang Perai Tengah and Seberang Perai Selatan); Perak (Perak Tengah, Bagan Datuk, Hilir Perak, Batang Padang and Muallim); Selangor (Kuala Selangor, Hulu Selangor and Gombak); and Kuala Lumpur.

The warning also covers parts of Sarawak, namely Kuching, Serian, Samarahan, Sibu (Sibu and Selangau), Mukah, Bintulu and Limbang, as well as Sabah's interior districts, including...