Perak steps up preparations for Super El Nino expected to last until early 2027

IPOH, Sept 9 — Perak is ramping up preparations for the Super El Niño phenomenon, which is anticipated to last until early 2027, prompting state authorities to prioritize water supplies for hospitals and clinics. Perak Menteri Besar Datuk Seri Saarani Mohamad stated that hospitals and clinics were given top priority for water reserves, with a minimum 48-hour supply kept in storage tanks.

He emphasized that the state government was taking the phenomenon seriously due to its potential to bring hotter and drier weather conditions than normal, particularly during the Southwest Monsoon season from May 14 to September. The Super El Niño is expected to persist until early 2027, leading the Perak government to continuously enhance its preparedness measures.

A State Disaster Management Committee (JPBN) meeting, along with technical agencies such as the Malaysian Meteorological Department (MetMalaysia) and the Department of Irrigation and Drainage (JPS), is monitoring weather forecasts and water levels at major dams, including the Bukit Merah Dam and Sultan Azlan Shah Dam. The Perak Health Department (JKN Perak) has outlined four key strategies in response to the heatwave risks, including targeted health advocacy, surveillance of heat-related illnesses and waterborne diseases, activation of the crisis preparedness and response center, and ensuring the continuity of health facility operations.

A minimum 48-hour water supply reserve is in place for hospitals and clinics. In the agricultural sector, the state government is focusing on efficient water management and distribution through major irrigation infrastructure and mobile pumps for water recycling. In case of critical situations, cloud-seeding operations may be coordinated by the Joint Operations Committee (JPBN), the National Aerial Device Management Agency (NADMA), and MetMalaysia.

Environmental measures have been activated, including the National Open Burning Action Plan and the Peatland Fire Operations Action Plan, with daily patrols conducted by the Department of Environment (DOE) at hotspot locations. Open burning is being prevented through collaboration with local authorities, the police, and the Fire and Rescue Department, with Air Pollutant Index (API) readings monitored regularly to issue early warnings.

The Department of Irrigation and Drainage (LAP) has activated a phased mitigation plan, which includes optimizing water treatment plant operations, rezoning water supply, mobilizing water tankers, deploying static water tanks, and using alternative water sources. The Department of Agriculture has updated and activated over 100 tube wells at strategic locations to provide groundwater for crops and livestock, while farmers receive smart agriculture training to improve water-use efficiency and ensure continued production.