PUTRAJAYA June 15, 2026 – Deputy Prime Minister Dato’ Seri Dr. Ahmad Zahid Hamidi has called on Malaysians to prepare for hotter and drier weather as the El Niño phenomenon is expected to influence the country starting soon and potentially persist until early 2027.
In an official statement posted on social media, Zahid, who chairs the Central Disaster Management Committee, highlighted a recent advisory from the Malaysian Meteorological Department (MET Malaysia). The developing El Niño is forecast to bring above-normal temperatures and reduced rainfall, particularly during the ongoing Southwest Monsoon, which runs from May to September 2026.
“Fenomena ini dijangka menyebabkan cuaca lebih panas dan kering daripada biasa sepanjang Monsun Barat Daya, sekali gus berpotensi mengurangkan jumlah hujan di beberapa kawasan, meningkatkan risiko kekurangan bekalan air, kebakaran hutan dan tanah gambut serta kejadian jerebu,” Zahid said in the statement.
This translates to increased risks of water shortages, forest and peat fires, and haze episodes in affected areas.
Zahid advised the public to:
- Use water prudently and conserve supplies
- Strictly avoid open burning activities
- Prioritise health, especially for vulnerable groups such as the elderly, children, and those with respiratory conditions
- Stay updated via the myCuaca app and official MET Malaysia channels
“Persediaan awal dan tindakan yang bertanggungjawab daripada semua pihak amat penting bagi mengurangkan risiko serta memastikan kesejahteraan rakyat sentiasa terpelihara,” he added. The government will continue monitoring the situation and take necessary measures to safeguard public safety and well-being.
MET Malaysia’s long-range outlook supports the warning, noting drier-than-average conditions peaking from June to August 2026 under the influence of the Southwest Monsoon and emerging El Niño patterns.
This advisory comes amid broader regional forecasts indicating below-normal rainfall across parts of southern ASEAN during the June–August period.
Zahid concluded his message with a call for collective responsibility: “Insya-Allah, Kerajaan akan terus memantau perkembangan semasa dan mengambil langkah yang sewajarnya.”
The post has received positive responses from netizens, many echoing the need for vigilance and environmental care.
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