PUCHONG: Malaysia may experience temperatures of up to 40°C early next year as a forecast Super El Nino intensifies, says the Malaysian Meteorological Department (MetMalaysia).
The looming threat has prompted relevant government agencies to ramp up preparations, with each outlining its readiness to mitigate the situation during a media engagement organised by the National Disaster Management Agency (Nadma) yesterday.
MetMalaysia deputy director-general (operations) Ambun Dindang said the stronger El Nino phase is expected to peak between November this year and January 2027, with rainfall expected to decrease across most parts of the country.
“This is with northern and central parts of Peninsular Malaysia potentially recording temperatures of between 39°C and 40°C if conditions persist into early next year,” he said.
Ambun warned that prolonged dry conditions would heighten the risk of both local and transboundary haze, with open burning and forest fires remaining the main contributors during severe haze episodes.
Drawing comparisons with the 1997 to 1998 extreme El Nino, he said South-East Asia experienced severe haze, water shortages and airport disruptions during those periods.
“Malaysia recorded its highest-ever temperature of 40.1°C in Chuping, Perlis, on April 9, 1998, and 39.3°C in Batu Embun, Jerantut in Pahang, in 2016.
To prepare for the anticipated dry spell, Ambun said MetMalaysia has intensified monitoring through monthly El Nino-Southern Oscillation (Enso) updates, hot weather alerts and notifications to relevant agencies whenever an area records seven consecutive days without rain.
Meanwhile, the Fire and Rescue Department (JBPM) said it has strengthened its operational readiness ahead of the expected extreme weather.
“JBPM has identified 183 hotspots nationwide where fires have occurred at least five times over the past three years, with 83 locations experiencing large-scale open burning incidents,” said the Fire and Rescue Operations division director Nordin Pauzi.
“From 2022 to June 2026, Selangor, Johor, Kedah, Perak and Sabah recorded the highest number of incidents, while in 2026 the top states were Kedah, Johor, Kelantan, Selangor and Melaka,” he said, adding the data covers possible open fires or rubbish burning.
He said the department would complete the deployment of 200 operational vehicles this month to boost monitoring and firefighting.
“We are also expanding drone use for fire detection, with two new helicopters expected between October and November,” said the department’s director‑general Datuk Seri Nor Hisham Mohammad.
“JBPM is coordinating with other agencies to secure water supplies, pumps and logistics for major fires,’ he added.
Health Ministry public health specialist Dr Hazlina Yahaya said 73 heat-related illnesses and four deaths were recorded during the first half of 2026, stressing that health facilities remain on standby to manage such cases and that educational activities are being expanded to raise awareness, including among Orang Asli communities.
