KUALA LUMPUR, June 14 — Malaysia is expected to experience hotter and drier conditions in the coming months as the El Niño phenomenon is forecast to begin influencing the country’s weather patterns, potentially lasting until early next year, the Malaysian Meteorological Department (MetMalaysia) said today.

In a statement, MetMalaysia said the phenomenon could persist until early 2027 and is likely to coincide with the ongoing Southwest Monsoon season, which began on May 14 and is forecast to continue until September.

The department warned that the conditions could reduce rainfall in several areas, increasing the risk of water shortages, forest and peatland fires, as well as haze episodes.

“As a preparedness measure, MetMalaysia has strengthened the dissemination of weather information and early warnings to the government, relevant agencies and the public,” the statement said.

It added that, as of this month, the agency had conducted more than 70 briefings, meetings and engagement sessions on hot and dry weather conditions at the national, state and district levels.

Among those briefed were the Ministry of Economy, the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environmental Sustainability (NRES), the National Economic Action Council (MTEN) and the Department of Agriculture Malaysia. 

MetMalaysia has also presented its forecasts and assessments during meetings of state and district disaster management committees across the country.

The department said it was providing forest and peatland fire risk forecasts of up to seven days in advance and issuing haze forecasts to help authorities prepare for potential impacts arising from prolonged dry conditions. 

It also said it stood ready to assist in cloud seeding operations should they be required and weather conditions permit.

Members of the public were advised to monitor the latest weather updates through the myCuaca application and MET Malaysia’s official website, use water prudently and refrain from open burning activities.

MetMalaysia said it remained committed to delivering accurate and timely weather information to enable the country to prepare for any risks posed by extreme weather events.

KUCHING, June 14: The Malaysian Meteorological Department (MetMalaysia) is intensifying its monitoring and preparedness efforts as the El Niño phenomenon is expected to begin influencing the country’s weather patterns in the coming months and persist until early next year.

MetMalaysia director-general Dr Mohd Hisham Mohd Anip said the climate phenomenon is likely to bring hotter and drier conditions, particularly during the ongoing southwest monsoon season, which began on May 14 and is expected to last until September.

“Reduced rainfall in certain areas may heighten the risk of water shortages, forest and peatland fires, as well as haze episodes,” he said in a statement today.

To mitigate the potential impacts, Dr Hisham said MetMalaysia has strengthened its preparedness measures, including enhancing the dissemination of weather information and early warnings to government agencies, stakeholders and the public.

“As of this month, the department has conducted more than 70 briefings, meetings and engagement programmes at the national, state and district levels, focusing on preparations for hot and dry weather conditions,” he said.

The engagements included briefings for the Ministry of Economy, the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environmental Sustainability, the National Economic Action Council and the Department of Agriculture, as well as presentations at disaster management committee meetings nationwide.

Dr Hisham added that MetMalaysia continues to provide forest and peatland fire risk forecasts of up to seven days, issue haze forecasts and stand ready to support cloud-seeding operations when necessary.

He also urged the public to stay informed through the myCuaca mobile application and MetMalaysia’s official website, practise prudent water usage and refrain from open burning activities. – TVS

IPOH – Seramai 92 orang penduduk dari daerah Larut, Matang dan Selama (LMS) serta Manjung ditempatkan di dua buah pusat pemindahan sementara (PPS) ekoran kawasan kediaman mereka dinaiki air semalam.

Jurucakap Sekretariat Jawatankuasa Pengurusan Bencana Negeri Perak berkata, kesemua mangsa dari 33 buah keluarga itu ditempatkan di PPS Sekolah Kebangsaan (SK) Batu Hampar dan PPS SK Beruas.

“Seramai 41 mangsa melibatkan 14 buah keluarga dari LMS kini ditempatkan di PPS SK Batu Hampar manakala di SK Beruas pula menempatkan 51 orang mangsa (19 keluarga),” katanya.

Katanya, sebanyak empat kawasan terjejas di LMS iaitu Kampung Batu 25, Kampung Berjaya, Kampung Batu 23 dan Sungai Rotan.

Di Manjung pula, katanya ialah Kampung Kilang, Taman Anggerik Permai serta Kampung Pulau Kabung. – KOSMO! ONLINE

The project, expected to be completed on June 19, involves upgrading three pump units, the pond structure, mechanical systems, and electrical supply, as well as desilting works to increase the pond’s capacity.

It will benefit almost 40,000 residents in the George Town area, the ministry of energy transition and water transformation said in a statement after a working visit by deputy minister Abdul Rahman Mohamad to inspect progress.

The ministry said monsoon transitions and heavy rainfall exceeding the capacity of existing drainage systems have frequently triggered flash floods in the area.