PETALING JAYA: Malaysian authorities are prepared to face a stronger El Niño and the possible subsequent haze wave this year, says Datuk Seri Arthur Joseph Kurup.
The Natural Resources and Environmental Sustainability (NRES) Minister said national preparations to face the expected weather phenomenon had already begun back in June following the 2026 National Haze and Dry Weather Committee’s first meeting on June 15.
He said the meeting, held in Putrajaya, saw all relevant parties and state governments informed beforehand of the impacts of El Niño on agriculture, declining reservoir levels, as well as increased risks of open burning and haze.
“They were also instructed to be prepared to implement necessary measures in accordance with the National Haze Action Plan (PTJK) and National Open Burning Action Plan (PTPTK) if needed,” he said in a statement on Sunday (Aug 16).
On a regional level, Arthur said his Ministry has continued to highlight the need for regional-level cooperation and measures to prevent forest and land fires in recent Asean meetings.
He revealed that bilateral discussions with Indonesia’s Minister of Environment and delegation had taken place in this regard.
“Both countries exchanged views and shared efforts to monitor and curb hotspot increases to prevent transboundary haze.
“From this, Malaysia and Indonesia have committed to intensifying efforts to overcome fires and haze conditions,” he added.
Arthur said the government also plans to submit an official letter to the Asean Secretariat urging all southern ASEAN countries to intensify efforts and maintain continuous preparedness to face a strong El Niño, prevent transboundary haze, and reduce its intensity if it occurs.
He also revealed that Alert Level 2 was activated on Aug 3, under the Asean Agreement on Transboundary Haze Pollution in which Southern Asean countries must submit daily reports and emergency responses for fire and haze incidents and actions taken.
“NRES will continue monitoring this information as part of preparedness for possible more serious transboundary haze waves as well as the latest developments in weather, air quality, and haze conditions nationwide.
“Due to hot and dry weather and haze, the public in affected areas is advised to reduce outdoor activities, wear face masks, and drink sufficient water to stay hydrated,” he added.
The public is advised to check official API information via the government’s website https://eqms.doe.gov.my/APIMS/
Meanwhile, official weather information can be referred to through MET Malaysia’s website or the myCuaca mobile app.
