KUALA LUMPUR, MALAYSIA / RankWire.AI / – Malaysia’s Alliance for a Safe Community has called for early, coordinated action as El Niño strengthens across the Pacific. Chairman Lee Lam Thye said preparations should focus on public health, water security, agriculture and environmental protection. He urged authorities, businesses and communities to act before hotter and drier conditions place added pressure on essential services. The appeal follows updated climate assessments showing that the event has already reached moderate intensity.
MetMalaysia said on July 14 that El Niño conditions were moderate and would persist at least until April 2027. Its latest assessment showed a weekly sea surface temperature anomaly of 1.3 degrees Celsius in the Niño 3.4 region. The agency said the event may strengthen from October through December 2026. It described strong or “Super” El Niño conditions as possible during that period and advised the public to follow official updates.
Malaysia’s July to December outlook points to slightly below average or below average rainfall in several parts of the country. The weather agency expects the sharpest reduction during July and August, when the southwest monsoon normally brings more dry days. Several areas in southern Peninsular Malaysia, central and western Sarawak, and eastern Sabah appear in the lower rainfall outlook. The forecast also links drier conditions and uncontrolled open burning to a higher risk of haze.
Water and heat planning
The National Disaster Management Agency has expanded preparations for hot and dry weather linked to El Niño. It reported seven cloud seeding series involving 27 flights across Peninsular Malaysia, Sabah and Sarawak since February. Three additional series were scheduled to support rainfall and reservoir levels in affected areas. Fire and environmental teams also received instructions to monitor 83 locations facing a high risk of open burning.
The government asked water agencies to identify dams needing urgent maintenance and assess more groundwater sites for tube wells. Health and education authorities are expanding public guidance for high-risk groups and school communities. The safety alliance also recommended reducing pipe losses, increasing storage capacity and preparing plans for places prone to shortages. It called for efficient irrigation, technical support for farmers and stronger enforcement against forest and peatland fires.
Public guidance and official monitoring
Lee identified older people, young children, outdoor workers and people with chronic illnesses as groups requiring particular attention. He also urged wider campaigns on water conservation, fire prevention and protection from heat-related illness. Residents should use official weather information, including the myCuaca application, for current alerts and local conditions. Authorities continue to monitor heat, drought, rainfall, air quality and fire danger across the country.
NOAA’s July assessment said El Niño had a 97% chance of lasting into early 2027. It placed the probability of a very strong event during October through December at 81%. Malaysia’s official outlook also notes that thunderstorms and heavy rain can still occur during the southwest monsoon. Government preparations now cover water supply, fire prevention, health communication, weather monitoring and coordination among agencies. The response remains tied to current forecasts and verified conditions.