"A blanket of grey clouds hung over SK Gual To'Deh, signalling the approaching monsoon season."

This morning, the cloudy sky over SK Gual To’Deh signified the imminent arrival of the monsoon season. The continuous rainfall throughout the day is a common scene in the northeastern part of Peninsular Malaysia, where the northeast monsoon typically begins in November and lasts until March. As I sat enjoying a packet of “Nasi Bungkus” bought from the stall near the old village cemetery of Kampung To’Deh, a sense of nostalgia washed over me — the taste reminded me of my late mother’s cooking. Yet, beyond this personal comfort, the changing weather carried a larger, more pressing message about our planet’s shifting climate patterns.

The current weather at SK Gual To'Deh is cloudy and cool, resembling the climate of Switzerland, with a scenic view of the Thai border.

The monsoon season, once a predictable and balanced natural phenomenon, is now increasingly erratic due to the global issue of climate change. Climate scientists have reported that the frequency and intensity of rainfall in Southeast Asia have changed significantly over the past few decades. According to the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC, 2023), the global temperature has risen by more than 1.1°C since the pre-industrial era. This increase has disrupted atmospheric circulation and ocean currents, influencing monsoon patterns and causing unpredictable weather such as prolonged droughts or flash floods.

In Malaysia, particularly in Kelantan and Terengganu, the northeast monsoon brings heavy rainfall that often leads to severe flooding. These floods not only destroy homes and crops but also affect the livelihood of local communities, especially those living near riverbanks. The increased precipitation intensity is closely linked to the warming of sea surface temperatures in the South China Sea, which enhances evaporation and moisture content in the atmosphere. Consequently, when clouds form, they release heavier and more frequent downpours.

The phenomenon observed in Kampung To’Deh reflects a microcosm of a global environmental challenge. The heavy rain and cloudy skies symbolize the planet’s cry for balance. Climate change has magnified the natural hydrological cycle, making wet regions wetter and dry regions drier. Human activities such as deforestation, urbanization, and the burning of fossil fuels have accelerated this imbalance. As trees are cut down and land surfaces are paved over, less water is absorbed into the soil, resulting in higher surface runoff and more severe floods.

However, amidst these challenges lies an opportunity for collective responsibility. Communities must adapt through sustainable practices such as rainwater harvesting, flood-resilient infrastructure, and environmental education. Schools like SK Gual To’Deh play an essential role in nurturing ecological awareness among young learners. Understanding that a simple rainy morning is not just weather, but a reflection of climate dynamics, helps children appreciate the importance of preserving the environment for future generations.

In conclusion, the overcast skies and continuous rain at SK Gual To’Deh are more than signs of the coming monsoon — they are reminders of our planet’s delicate equilibrium. Climate change has transformed the natural rhythm of the seasons into a global concern. As we savor the warmth of familiar meals and the comfort of home, we must also recognize the urgent need to protect the Earth, ensuring that the memories of our past coexist with a sustainable future.