MetMalaysia To Raise Preparedness, Monitor El Nino Development

KUALA LUMPUR, June 14 (Bernama) -- The Malaysian Meteorological Department (MetMalaysia) is closely monitoring the development of the El Niño phenomenon, which is expected to begin influencing the country's weather conditions in the near future and may persist until early 2027.

MetMalaysia Director-General Dr Mohd Hisham Mohd Anip said that the phenomenon is expected to bring hotter and drier-than-normal weather, particularly during the Southwest Monsoon, which began on May 14 and is forecast to continue until September this year.

He said the conditions could potentially reduce rainfall in several areas, increasing the risk of water shortages, forest and peatland fires, as well as haze.

“As a preparedness measure, MetMalaysia has strengthened the dissemination of weather information and early warnings to the government, relevant agencies and the public,” he said in a statement today.

He added that as of June 2026, MetMalaysia had conducted more than 70 briefings, meetings and engagement programmes related to hot and dry weather conditions at the national, state and district levels.

He said key engagement sessions carried out included briefings for the Economy Ministry, the Natural Resources and Environmental Sustainability Ministry (NRES), the National Economic Action Council (MTEN), the Agriculture Department, as well as presentations at state and district disaster management committee meetings nationwide.

“MetMalaysia also provides forest and peatland fire risk forecasts up to seven days ahead, issues haze forecasts and stands ready to assist in the implementation of Cloud Seeding Operations should the need arise and weather conditions permit.

“MetMalaysia remains committed to providing accurate and timely weather information to help the nation make early preparations for any risks associated with extreme weather,” he said.

The public can obtain the latest weather information through the myCuaca application and MetMalaysia’s official website, use water prudently and avoid open burning activities.

-- BERNAMA