By DayakDaily Team
KUCHING, Aug 26: Sarawak is stepping up preparedness for prolonged hot and dry conditions after the Malaysian Meteorological Department (MetMalaysia) warned that El Niño is expected to intensify in the State between October and December this year and could persist until at least April 2027.
The Sarawak Disaster Management Committee (SDMC), at a special coordination meeting with relevant agencies and all Resident Offices today, was briefed that the El Niño-Southern Oscillation (ENSO) phenomenon is currently at moderate intensity but has a high potential to strengthen to a strong or even “Super” El Niño between September 2026 and January 2027.
MetMalaysia also forecast below-average rainfall in southwestern Sarawak from October to December, raising concerns over the potential impact of prolonged dry weather on water resources, particularly dam levels.
The Southwest Monsoon, which began on May 14, is expected to continue until September.
SDMC said the extent and duration of El Niño’s impacts could not be determined with certainty, but stressed that early preparation was essential to mitigate the possible effects of a prolonged dry spell.
“Preparedness is key. SDMC and the relevant agencies are taking proactive measures rather than waiting for conditions to develop into a crisis,” the committee said in a statement today.
SDMC reported that the prolonged dry conditions have already contributed to an increase in hotspot activity in Sarawak, with 287 hotspots recorded since January, including 171 in August alone.
Across the border in Kalimantan, 11,364 hotspots have been recorded since January, of which 8,989 were detected in August.
“The increase in hotspot activity in August was associated with prevailing hot and dry conditions, while hotspot activity, wind direction and rainfall would continue to influence the haze situation,” it said.
The committee said relevant agencies would continue monitoring hotspot activity and coordinating efforts to address identified hotspots.
Water supply preparedness is also being strengthened as dam and water levels come under increasing pressure.
The Welfare Department and Sarawak Rural Water Supply Department (JBALB) have been supplying water assistance to affected communities and will continue doing so where necessary.
SDMC has also agreed to establish a Special Operations Team at the State Disaster Command Centre (SDCC) to continuously monitor and coordinate the impact of declining water levels throughout Sarawak.
“Resident Offices, which also serve as Divisional Disaster Management Committees, and all relevant agencies have been instructed to review their preparedness, including water supplies, logistics and available resources, to ensure assistance can be delivered promptly should conditions worsen,” it said.
SDMC said it would continue monitoring weather conditions, dam and water levels, hotspots, haze and the development of El Niño while coordinating preventive and contingency measures across agencies.
The committee urged the public to remain vigilant and follow advice issued by the relevant authorities as Sarawak prepares for the possibility of a prolonged period of hot and dry weather.
The special meeting brought together representatives from MetMalaysia, Sarawak Energy Berhad (SEB), the Welfare Department, Fire and Rescue Department of Malaysia (JBPM), Royal Malaysia Police (PDRM), Malaysian Armed Forces (ATM) and other relevant agencies.
All Resident Offices were also involved in coordinating preparedness and mitigation measures at the divisional level. — DayakDaily
