KOTA KINABALU: The state government has been urged to take proactive measures amid scientific projections that Sabah could face a prolonged dry spell induced by the El Niño phenomenon.
Parti Warisan vice-president Datuk Junz Wong said scientific projections indicate a high probability of a strong El Niño developing by mid-2026 and as such, the state has to act now to protect its agriculture sector.
“As a state whose economy remains closely tied to agriculture, Sabah stands at significant risk from prolonged dry spells and extreme heat conditions associated with El Niño,” said Wong, the Tanjung Aru Assemblyman and former state agriculture and food industries minister.
He warned that failure to prepare could lead to disruptions in food production, increased costs for farmers, and broader economic repercussions.
Wong said that Sabah is still grappling with persistent water supply issues affecting multiple districts, including Kota Kinabalu, Penampang, Putatan, Kinarut, Kuala Penyu, Sepanggar, Tawau and Sandakan.
“In such a context, the prospect of a strong El Niño makes it even more urgent for the authorities to ramp up efforts to address this perennial and pressing water supply problem.
“Reliable water access is not only critical for households, but also for uninterrupted business operations, including the tourism and hospitality sectors,” he added.
He further pointed out that many rural areas in Sabah are already prone to prolonged drought, making early intervention and preparedness measures even more crucial.
“Proactive planning must begin now — from strengthening water management systems and storage capacity, to supporting farmers with adaptive measures and ensuring contingency plans are in place,” he said urging for immediate policy response.
“The cost of inaction will be far greater than the cost of preparedness. Sabah must not wait until the situation deteriorates before responding,” he said.
