Abu dhabi: The Malaysian Meteorological Department (MetMalaysia) has issued a warning of thunderstorms, heavy rain, and strong winds expected to hit several states in the Peninsula, Malaysian National News Agency (Bernama) reported.
According to Emirates News Agency, MetMalaysia announced that the areas anticipated to be affected in the Peninsula include Perlis; Kedah, involving Langkawi, Kubang Pasu, Kota Setar, Pokok Sena, and Padang Terap; Perak (Manjung, Perak Tengah, and Hilir Perak); and Pahang (Cameron Highlands, Raub, Bentong, and Rompin).
The Alliance for a Safe Community emphasized the necessity for early and coordinated preparations to mitigate the impact of the expected Super El Nino. This phenomenon could pose significant risks to public health, water security, agriculture, and the environment if not addressed promptly.
Its chairman, Tan Sri Lee Lam Thye, highlighted forecasts indicating that Malaysia could experience the Super El Nino from around November this year, with conditions likely peaking between November and January 2027. He urged authorities and the public to treat this as a serious warning to enhance preparedness.
Lee Lam Thye stressed that while the situation should not cause panic, it should prompt early action to mitigate potential risks resulting from prolonged hot and dry conditions. Meteorological authorities have cautioned that the phenomenon may lead to significantly higher temperatures, extended dry spells, reduced rainfall, and an increased risk of haze, especially post-monsoon season.
He pointed out that previous El Nino episodes have shown that prolonged hot and dry weather can have extensive consequences, including water shortages, increased forest and peatland fires, transboundary haze, reduced agricultural yields, threats to food security, adverse health effects like heat stress and dehydration, and disruptions to economic activities.
Malaysia should adopt a proactive, coordinated, and whole-of-society approach to minimize the impacts of this phenomenon, Lee Lam Thye suggested. Proposed measures include strengthening water resource management through prudent usage, reducing leakages, increasing storage capacity, and preparing contingency plans for areas prone to water shortages.
He further mentioned that climate change is making extreme weather events more frequent and severe. The expected Super El Nino should be viewed not just as a seasonal phenomenon but as a reminder for Malaysia to enhance its climate resilience and disaster preparedness.