This is the terrifying moment a freak tornado tore roofs from buildings in Malaysia.

Footage captured from inside a moving car shows debris swirling in the air as the vortex struck Kuala Langat, Selangor State, on Wednesday afternoon.

A metal sheet was seen blocking nearly half the road as the vehicle cautiously passed by.

Lieutenant Colonel Fazlisyah Muslim, Director of the Selangor Civil Defence Force, said: 'We have just received reports of the tornado incident in the Meru and Kuala Langat areas, but so far we do not have exact figures on the number of houses affected or whether there have been any casualties.'

The policeman said that a temporary evacuation centre remains open, currently housing 36 people. A similar incident had occurred the day before.

He added: 'There is a possibility the number of victims may rise due to the recent tornado incident, but complete data is still being updated.'

Authorities confirmed the area hardest hit was near Sijangkang Jaya National School in Kuala Langat.

A tornado forms when warm, moist air meets cool, dry air during severe storms, creating a spinning funnel that becomes a tornado once it touches the ground.

Often linked to violent storms like supercells, tornadoes can cause severe damage alongside heavy rain, strong winds, thunder, and lightning.