Kuala Lumpur: Malaysia is bracing for the possibility of a more serious wave of transboundary haze as El Niño strengthens and the dry spell is expected to persist.
Natural Resources and Environmental Sustainability Minister Datuk Seri Arthur Joseph Kurup said the Ministry is closely monitoring the situation following haze conditions affecting parts of the country since Aug. 8.
He said the haze involved Sarawak, Selangor, Kuala Lumpur and Putrajaya, although conditions in Selangor, Kuala Lumpur and Putrajaya have since improved.
On Sunday, four areas recorded unhealthy Air Pollutant Index (API) readings — Kuching, Samarahan and IPD Serian in Sarawak, as well as Johan Setia in Peninsular Malaysia.
Other areas recorded moderate API readings.
Arthur said the current situation is linked to the strengthening El Niño phenomenon occurring alongside the Southwest Monsoon, resulting in reduced rainfall and hotter and drier weather across many areas.
Of greater concern, he said, is the possibility of a prolonged dry period raising the risk of forest and land fires and triggering another, potentially more serious, episode of transboundary haze.
The Asean Specialised Meteorological Centre (ASMC), during the 37th Asean Senior Officials on the Environment (ASOEN) Meeting and related meetings held online from Aug 10-13, reported that El Niño is forecast to be stronger than in 2025.
The prolonged dry conditions are also expected to increase the potential for transboundary haze.
“However, the El Niño phenomenon, which is becoming increasingly intense, presents a major challenge, particularly for countries with extensive and deep peatland areas,” Arthur said.
He said the Government had begun preparations as early as June, with the first National Haze and Dry Weather Main Committee Meeting for 2026 held at the Ministry in Putrajaya on June 15.
Relevant agencies and State Governments were briefed on the potential impact of El Niño on agriculture, declining dam water levels, increased risks of open burning and haze.
Measures will be implemented in accordance with the National Haze Action Plan and National Open Burning Action Plan.
At the regional level, Arthur led the Malaysian delegation to the 27th Ministerial Steering Committee (MSC) and Technical Working Group meeting on Transboundary Haze Pollution in Bali, Indonesia, on July 8 and 9.
The meeting involved six southern Asean countries — Brunei, Indonesia, Malaysia, Singapore, Thailand and Timor-Leste — with participating countries presenting their strategies and initiatives to prevent forest and land fires.
Arthur also held bilateral discussions with Indonesia’s Environment Minister and delegation, during which both countries exchanged views on efforts to monitor and curb increases in hotspots to prevent transboundary haze.
He said Malaysia and Indonesia remained committed to intensifying efforts to tackle fires and the current haze situation.
Under the Asean Agreement on Transboundary Haze Pollution initiative, Alert Level 2 was activated on Aug 3.
Countries in the southern Asean region are required to submit daily reports and emergency responses on fire and haze incidents, including actions taken.
Arthur said the Ministry would continue monitoring the reports as part of preparations for the possibility of a more severe subsequent wave of transboundary haze.
The Ministry also plans to formally write to the ASEAN Secretariat calling on southern ASEAN countries to intensify preventive efforts and maintain preparedness for a potentially strong El Niño, while working to prevent transboundary haze or reduce its severity should it occur.
NRES, together with the Department of Environment (DOE) and Malaysian Meteorological Department (MetMalaysia), will continue monitoring and reporting developments involving weather, air quality and haze.
Members of the public in affected areas have been advised to reduce outdoor activities, wear face masks and drink sufficient water to remain hydrated during the hot, dry and hazy conditions.
Official API readings are available through the DOE’s APIMS platform and MyJAS EQMS mobile application, while official weather information is available through MetMalaysia and the myCuaca application.
