El Niño could hit fishermen, fish farms as temperatures soar to 40°C, says Mat Sabu

KOTA BHARU — Coastal fishermen and fish farmers are at risk if El Niño causes temperatures to soar to a scorching 40 degrees Celsius, according to Agriculture and Food Security Minister Datuk Seri Mohamad Sabu. The minister warned that the phenomenon could push fish further out to sea, making it difficult for coastal fishermen, who are only accustomed to fishing within a five-nautical-mile radius, to access deeper waters.

The government has been discussing preparations for El Niño with Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim to strengthen national food security, including increasing funds for coastal fishermen facing potential temperature increases of 40 degrees Celsius. Aquaculture operations may also face challenges due to the rising temperatures, particularly in covering fish-rearing ponds to protect them.

Early preparations and timely information dissemination are crucial for farmers and agrifood operators to minimize the impact of El Niño on their activities. Mohamad emphasized the importance of addressing potential haze, which could further complicate preparations for the effects of the El Niño phenomenon.