Malaysia Prepares for El Nino with Five Key Measures

Malaysia is proactively preparing for the potential impacts of the El Nino phenomenon, with the government outlining five key preparatory measures. Deputy Minister of Natural Resources and Environmental Sustainability, Syed Ibrahim Syed Noh, stated that cloud seeding operations are a primary strategy to bolster water resources.

These cloud seeding flights aim to enhance rainfall, thereby increasing water levels in dams and mitigating drought effects. The initiative also seeks to combat haze episodes. "For the period of February to June, 35 cloud seeding flights have been conducted in several strategic locations nationwide," Syed Ibrahim said in the Dewan Negara.

Beyond cloud seeding, the ministry is focusing on food security and public health. The Malaysian Meteorological Department (MET Malaysia) is working closely with the Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security, providing monthly agricultural meteorology analyses and advice to aid in planning planting schedules, water resource management, and mitigating the effects of hot weather on food production.

The Ministry of Health, supported by MET Malaysia, will enhance public awareness about the health impacts of hot weather through various channels. Community leaders, NGOs, and health volunteers are also involved in strengthening health education. Additionally, Malaysia is reinforcing its El Nino monitoring, forecasting systems, and climate early warning systems.