Ecowatch: Turning El Nino into a turning point

A fire burning at a landfill site in West Kalimantan, Indonesia, in early August 2026. Experts say this wildfire season is on track to be among the worst in years, driven by a strong El Nino. — AFP

MALAYSIA is no longer waiting for El Nino. The weather cycle is only expected to peak between November and February 2027 but already parts of Sarawak have recorded air pollution index (API) readings above 150, some past 200 – readings over 200 are considered unhealthy so schools had to cancel outdoor activities.

The 1997-1998 El Nino cycle broke the national temperature record, triggered a state of emergency in Sarawak, and cost Sabah and Sarawak an estimated RM12.87bil.