The phenomenon has occurred several times in Malaysia, according to environmental expert Haliza Abdul Rahman, but early planning is required to prevent extreme panic.
To lessen the effects of the phenomenon, early preparations for the strong El Nino, anticipated to occur next month, should be made by involving the two main stakeholders of the nation, namely the government and the people.
The phenomenon has occurred several times in Malaysia, according to environmental expert Associate Professor Haliza Abdul Rahman, but early planning is required to prevent extreme panic.
According to records, El Nino had hit the nation 12 times as of 2015, with the first one occurring between 1951 and 1952 and the worst case in 1997 to 1998, with the highest temperature of 40.1 degrees Celsius recorded at Chuping Meteorological Station, Perlis, on April 9, 1998.
As a result, monitoring the water level at all rivers and dams, activating emergency plans, looking into alternative water sources, urging the public and industry to conserve water, as well as cloud seeding and logistical support, should all be included in the government’s preparations.
When contacted by Bernama, she said, “Also, improve all forms of medical and emergency assistance, such as medicines for victims and firefighting aid in the event of a fire.” Haliza advised the general public to be mentally and physically prepared for any eventuality, such as a water crisis, wherein measures like water rationing would need to be implemented in some areas.”
Any activity that could start a fire should be avoided by the general public. Combustible materials need to be stored carefully, and open burning activities like burning trash, waste from farms, and construction materials need to be avoided. This is to prevent haze-causing air pollution.
For further action, the authorities must be notified right away if there is an open fire, she added. The southwest monsoon, which is characterised by dry and hot conditions, is expected to change the weather next month, according to a report in the media published yesterday.
Most international climate models indicate that the atmospheric cycle in the tropical regions is consistent with the El Nino Southern Oscillation (ENSO)-neutral condition based on the weather survey for the period from May to October displayed on the Meteorological Department’s (MetMalaysia) portal.
But according to the report, there is a 62 percent chance that the neutral situation will transition into the El Nino phase this May to July. Prof. Juliana Jalaludin, an expert in environmental health, advised the public to avoid physical activity, drink lots of water, wear light-colored clothing, and avoid wearing heavy clothing during this phenomenon to prevent heat stroke.
Additionally, she advised always wearing sunscreen when outside, such as broad-spectrum sunscreen with an SPF (Sun Protection Factor) of 15 or higher, because sunburn affects the body’s capacity to regulate its own temperature.
She added that a stationary vehicle’s interior temperature can increase by more than 11 degrees Celsius in just 10 minutes when exposed to the sun, so no one should be left inside.
According to Datuk Dr. Zainal Ariffin Omar, advisor to the Malaysian Public Health Organisation, the strong El Nino phenomenon will increase the risk of vector-borne illnesses like dengue and malaria, as well as water- and food-borne illnesses like typhoid and respiratory illnesses.
He advised people to store enough clean water and nutritious food, stay in shaded areas outside of their homes, such as beneath trees and roofs, and take other precautions to protect their health.
Dr. Zainal Ariffin further recommended that the government ensure adequate and effective public water supply services, make fresh and affordable food supplies easily accessible, and provide early warning to the public during the phenomenon.