Malaysia prepares for extreme heat as El Nino looms from end-2026 to April, says Mat Sabu

George Town, October 8 — The Malaysian government is proactively preparing for potentially extreme heat conditions, with temperatures expected to soar up to 40 degrees Celsius from the end of this year until April next year. Agriculture and Food Security Minister Datuk Seri Mohamad Sabu revealed that his ministry is consulting experts in artificial intelligence (AI), science, and technology to devise effective strategies to tackle the anticipated weather shifts.

At a recent gathering, Sabu emphasized the significance of early preparations to prevent panic among the populace in case of prolonged hot and dry weather. Among the pressing concerns, Sabu highlighted the potential for water shortages, which could adversely impact agriculture, encompassing crop cultivation and livestock rearing.

Early weather forecasts and information are being leveraged to devise proactive measures. Meanwhile, Mohamad expressed optimism that the upcoming Budget 2027, scheduled for October 9, would allocate sufficient resources to the Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security, considering the challenges posed by the looming El Nino phenomenon.

The minister also underscored the urgency of addressing water supply concerns to guarantee the sustainability of the nation's agricultural sector and food security amidst the extended heatwave.