PUCHONG, July 7 — Government agencies responsible for disaster management are on high alert ahead of the possible onset of a Super El Nino towards year end, while also ramping up preparations to mitigate the risks of extreme heat, haze and open burning during the Southwest Monsoon.
National Disaster Management Agency (NADMA) director-general Meor Ismail Meor Akim said its meeting held today was not because agencies are unprepared, but to update the public on NADMA’s current preparations and strengthen coordination among the ministries and agencies involved.
“All agencies have taken the necessary measures. We invited the media today to brief the public on the preparations that have been made so that people are also aware and better prepared.
“The government's approach is no longer one of waiting for incidents to occur. Instead, the focus is on early action, risk reduction and comprehensive preparedness," he told a press conference after a media engagement session on the government’s preparedness for the Southwest Monsoon here today.
The session featured integrated briefings by six agencies — the Health Ministry (MOH), Education Ministry (MOE), Meteorological Department (MetMalaysia), Fire and Rescue Department (JBPM), Irrigation and Drainage Department (DID), and Minerals and Geoscience Department (JMG).
Meor Ismail said all government assets could be mobilised under the national disaster management mechanism to ensure a swift response should the situation become more critical.
He also urged the media to disseminate information on preventive measures and preparedness so the public is more aware of the risks posed by hot weather, open burning and haze in the coming months.
Meanwhile, MetMalaysia deputy director-general (operations) Ambun Dindang said developments relating to the possible ‘Super El Nino’ are being monitored using data from the United States’ National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) and Climate Prediction Centre (CPC), particularly changes in sea surface temperatures in the central Pacific Ocean.
Based on current climate models, he said the phenomenon is expected to begin developing around November before affecting Malaysia early next year, although the forecast remains subject to change as new data become available.
“The closer we get to the expected period, the more accurate the data will be. At that stage, more targeted measures can be implemented together with the relevant agencies,” he said.
He added that the Southwest Monsoon is expected to bring hotter and drier weather, with reduced rainfall in several areas, increasing the risk of hotspots, forest fires, peatland fires and transboundary haze.
“The risk of transboundary haze will depend on the occurrence of fires in neighbouring countries and prevailing wind patterns. MetMalaysia will continue monitoring the situation before issuing any projections or appropriate warnings,” Ambun said.
