JOHOR BARU: The country is indeed getting hotter and the trend is expected to intensify in the coming years due to a combination of climate change and evolving weather patterns, says an environment expert.
While El Nino is often linked to hot and dry conditions, it is not the sole factor behind the current heat being experienced nationwide, said Universiti Teknologi Malaysia campus sustainability director Prof Dr Mohd Fadhil Md Din.
He said Malaysia is currently going through a weak La Nina phase that is transitioning towards neutral conditions, based on data from the Malaysian Meteorological Department (MetMalaysia).
“At the same time, the country is experiencing the tail end of the northeast monsoon, which is typically drier.
“So, the current hot weather cannot be attributed to El Nino alone,” he said when contacted here yesterday.
Mohd Fadhil stressed that climate change remains the larger underlying driver, as it raises the baseline temperature of the climate system.
“This means that when dry spells occur, the heat becomes more intense and noticeable,” he added.
Mohd Fadhil said long-term data supports the public perception that temperatures in the country are rising.
“According to MetMalaysia, the average temperature in Peninsular Malaysia increased significantly at a rate of 0.24°C per decade between 1969 and 2023.
“In urban areas, the trend is even clearer, with studies in the Klang Valley showing increases in average daily temperatures, as well as more frequent hot days and warm nights,” he noted.
Mohd Fadhil said Malaysia is gradually moving towards a “new normal” of hotter and more unpredictable weather.
“While we may not experience extreme heatwaves like those in the Middle East, we are seeing more hot spells, drier periods and increased climate variability,” he said.
Mohd Fadhil said large urban and industrial areas such as the Klang Valley and Johor Baru are particularly vulnerable due to the urban heat island effect.
“This is caused by dense infrastructure, limited green cover and heat emissions from human activities, which trap and intensify heat in cities,” he said.
Mohd Fadhil said the impact of prolonged heat extends beyond discomfort, affecting water supply, agriculture and food security.
“Hotter and drier conditions increase evaporation, reduce soil moisture and raise irrigation demand, which can affect crop stability and yields,” he said.
Mohd Fadhil added that reduced rainfall in some states could heighten the risk of water stress and peatland fires.
On future risks, Mohd Fadhil said extreme heat events in Asia are expected to increase.
“For Malaysia, this may manifest more as frequent hot spells and heat stress rather than desert-like heatwaves, but the risks are rising,” he said.
Mohd Fadhil also said that while Malaysia already has basic systems such as heat alerts by MetMalaysia and health advisories by the Health Ministry, more detailed action protocols are needed.
“We need clearer guidelines for schools, construction sites, agricultural sectors, hospitals and local authorities, especially in high-risk urban communities.”
Mohd Fadhil said mitigation efforts must take place at multiple levels, including expanding green spaces, adopting reflective building materials and improving urban design to reduce heat absorption.
“Water efficiency, alternative sources and climate-resilient agriculture must also be prioritised.”
Mohd Fadhil warned that Malaysia is likely to face more hot days, warmer nights and prolonged dry spells over the next five to 10 years.
