KUALA LUMPUR, May 17 -- The Malaysian Meteorological Department (MetMalaysia) has issued a thunderstorm warning for states across Peninsular Malaysia, Sabah and Sarawak, cautioning residents to brace for heavy rain, strong winds and lightning until 7.00pm.

The warning, issued at 4.10pm, covers an extensive stretch of the country, affecting communities from the northern state of Perlis all the way south to Johor, as well as major areas in both East Malaysian states.

In Peninsular Malaysia, the affected states include Perlis, several districts in Kedah - namely Kubang Pasu, Kota Setar, Pokok Sena and Padang Terap - as well as districts in Perak, Pahang, Selangor, Negeri Sembilan, Melaka and Johor.

The warning covers densely populated and...