PETALING JAYA: The El Nino phenomenon is expected to persist until early next year, according to the Malaysian Meteorological Department (MetMalaysia).
“A weak El Nino is currently underway and expected to gradually intensify, peaking between November this year and January 2027,” said its director-general Dr Mohd Hisham Mohd Anip.
He noted that agricultural analysis and forecast reports are presented to relevant agencies every month to ensure preparedness.
The reports contain national weather and climate advisories covering periods of up to one month in advance.
“Other measures include data sharing and periodic briefings with relevant agencies, alongside six-month weather outlooks,” he said.
Based on MetMalaysia’s weather outlook for June to November, below-average rainfall is expected, particularly between June and August, due to the south-west monsoon and El Nino conditions.
The south-west monsoon, which runs from May to September, typically brings drier weather to Malaysia.
Kemubu Agricultural Development Authority (Kada) chairman Khalid Abdul Samad said a rotational irrigation system has been implemented to optimise available water resources and ensure equitable distribution across its irrigation scheme.
Based on projections, he said about 90% of padi areas within the Kada granary are expected to be cultivated.
Khalid said hotter and drier conditions could present challenges in irrigation management, particularly if water levels in Sungai Kelantan remain below normal for an extended period.
“Nevertheless, Kada continues to implement padi planting activities according to the established schedule and, at this stage, does not foresee any significant disruption to planting operations,” he said.
Kada’s preparedness has improved following the commissioning of the Kemubu 4 Pumping Station in February, as it can continue operating even when river levels fall to about one metre, he added.
Khalid said Kada has also deployed 88 booster pumps and 236 mobile pumps, while allocating RM850,000 for the construction of 130 tube wells and the procurement of 50 pumps to strengthen supplementary water supplies.
He said water levels are being monitored daily, while regular maintenance is conducted on canals, drains and irrigation infrastructure.
Meanwhile, the Muda Agricultural Development Authority (Mada) said pre-sowing activities have reached 100% for the current padi planting season, while land preparation stands at 94.8%.
