KUALA LUMPUR: Traders across several states are taking precautionary measures against unpredictable weather as they prepare for Deepavali celebrations this Sunday.

With the northeast monsoon bringing heavier rainfall, traders and bazaar organisers are stepping up preparations to minimise disruptions to business, including clearing drains, securing stock and monitoring flood risks.

In Negri Sembilan, organisers of the 10-day Deepavali Bazaar Carnival along Jalan Lee Fong Yee and Jalan Yam Tuan in Seremban have arranged regular drain cleaning to reduce the risk of flash floods.

Carnival organising chairman K. Murali Nath said they requested SWM Environment and the Seremban City Council (MBS) to carry out periodic maintenance, although the bazaar site was not a flood-prone area.