El Nino: Agriculture Ministry To Issue Early Warnings, Monitor Food Output

KUALA LUMPUR, June 24 (Bernama) -- The Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security (KPKM) will issue early warnings to the public if significant hot weather occurs due to the El Nino phenomenon, in addition to monitoring its impact on agricultural output, especially vegetables.

Its minister, Datuk Seri Mohamad Sabu said this would be part of his ministry’s preparation to face any impacts of the El Nino phenomenon on the country's agricultural sector and food supply.

"This (El Nino) is indeed a weather change that we must be prepared to face. It means that if significant hot weather occurs, early warnings will be communicated to the public and (especially) vegetable farmers, for instance, if any are affected," he said, today.

He said this at a press conference after officiating a flag-off ceremony for the MD2 Pineapple Export to New Zealand here, which was also attended by KPKM Secretary-General Datuk Seri Isham Ishak.

According to him, Malaysia would also cooperate with other ASEAN nations to ensure that food supply remained sufficient should there be a sudden disruption in agricultural production due to the phenomenon.

"We are ready to work with our ASEAN partners and others to complement one another if sudden changes in output occur as a result of El Nino," he said.

He added that this step is crucial to ensure that the nation's food security remains protected despite facing unpredictable weather changes.

On June 14, Malaysian Meteorological Department Director-General Dr Mohd Hisham Mohd Anip said the department is closely monitoring the development of the El Nino phenomenon, which is expected to begin influencing the country's weather in the near future and potentially continue until early 2027.

“The phenomenon is expected to cause warmer and drier weather than usual, particularly throughout the Southwest Monsoon, which began on May 14 and is expected to persist until September this year,” he added.

-- BERNAMA