KUCHING: The Sarawak Disaster Management Committee (SDMC) has stepped up preparations ahead of strengthening El Niño conditions and prolonged hot, dry weather across Sarawak.
The committee held a special coordination meeting on Wednesday involving relevant agencies and all Resident Offices to coordinate preparedness, mitigation measures and potential water supply impacts.
“Preparedness is key. SDMC and the relevant agencies are taking proactive measures now rather than waiting for the situation to develop into a crisis,” said SDMC chairman Datuk Amar Douglas Uggah Embas in a press statement.
The meeting involved the Malaysian Meteorological Department (MetMalaysia), Sarawak Energy Berhad (SEB), Welfare Department, Fire and Rescue Department of Malaysia (JBPM), Royal Malaysia Police (PDRM), Malaysian Armed Forces (ATM) and other relevant agencies.
MetMalaysia reported that El Niño conditions are expected to intensify in Sarawak between October and December 2026, potentially persisting until at least April 2027.
The latest El Niño-Southern Oscillation (ENSO) outlook shows moderate El Niño conditions currently, with strong or even “Super” El Niño intensity possible between September 2026 and January 2027.
“Rainfall in southwestern Sarawak is expected to remain below average from October to December, while the Southwest Monsoon is expected to continue until September,” it said.
It said early measures are being taken because the duration and extent of El Niño impacts remain uncertain, particularly concerning prolonged dry conditions and declining dam water levels.
Previous cloud seeding exercises on May 11,12 and June 19, 20, 21 June had a positive impact on dam water levels, according to SEB.
“SEB and Jabatan Bekalan Air Luar Bandar (JBALB) have called for further cloud seeding operations where suitable conditions permit, while SDMC requested additional cloud seeding support from the National Disaster Management Agency (NADMA).
“MetMalaysia is currently assessing suitable conditions for cloud seeding, with Sept 3 to 5 identified as a potential window, while a further meeting on Sept 1 will determine whether conditions are suitable,” it said.
Meanwhile, 287 hotspots have been recorded in Sarawak since January 2026, including 171 in August alone, while Kalimantan recorded 11,364 hotspots since January.
SDMC said hotspot activity, wind direction and rainfall would continue influencing the haze situation, with relevant agencies maintaining monitoring and response efforts.
The Welfare Department and JBALB will continue providing water assistance to affected communities where necessary, while a Special Operations Team will monitor declining water levels.
“Early preparation is essential given the potential for a prolonged dry spell and its impact on water levels,” it said.
The committee also clarified that it did not cancel Maulidur Rasul celebrations, saying the directive on outdoor activities was issued by the Majlis Islam Sarawak (MIS) due to prevailing haze conditions.
However, the directive did not prohibit all Maulidur Rasul activities, with Majlis Kesyukuran at mosques and suraus still permitted, subject to local conditions and advice from relevant authorities.
SDMC stressed that its assessments and advice are based on available data, technical assessments and consultation with relevant experts and agencies, urging the public to remain vigilant.
