Malaysia braces itself for near-record heat

Malaysia may experience temperatures of up to 40 deg C in early 2027 as a forecast Super El Nino intensifies, said the Malaysian Meteorological Department (MetMalaysia) on July 7.

Deputy director-general of operations Ambun Dindang said the stronger El Nino phase is expected to peak between November 2026 and January 2027, with rainfall expected to decrease across most parts of the country.

“This is with northern and central parts of Peninsular Malaysia potentially recording temperatures of between 39 deg C and 40 deg C if conditions persist into early 2027,” he said during a media briefing on July 7.

Drawing comparisons with the 1997 to 1998 extreme El Nino, he said South-east Asia experienced severe haze, water shortages and airport disruptions during the event, where Malaysia recorded its highest-ever temperature of 40.1 deg C in Cuping, Perlis, on April 9, 1998.

He said government agencies have begun preparations to mitigate risks posed by extreme weather, wildfires, water shortages, health issues, as well as education disruptions.

Ambun said MetMalaysia has intensified monitoring through monthly El Nino Southern Oscillation updates, hot weather alerts and notifications to relevant agencies whenever an area records seven consecutive days without rain.

The department also uses the Fire Danger Rating System and the Community Multiscale Air Quality haze model to forecast fire and haze risks, while remaining prepared to support cloud seeding operations if necessary.

Meanwhile, the Fire and Rescue Department (JBPM) said it has strengthened its operational readiness ahead of the expected extreme weather.

Division director Nordin Pauzi said the department has identified 183 hot spots nationwide where fires have occurred at least five times over the past three years, with 83 locations experiencing large-scale open burning incidents.

-The Strait Times