Temperatures could hit 37.5°C during El Nino, says minister

KUALA LUMPUR: Malaysia could experience temperatures of up to 37.5 degrees Celsius this year as the El Nino phenomenon takes hold from July through the first half of next year, says natural resources and environmental sustainability minister Arthur Joseph Kurup.

In a speech at the Kuala Lumpur Youth ESG Forum 2026 at UCSI University, Kurup said current data showed that rainfall could decrease by as much as 40% during this period.

“Data already shows that from July this year until the first half of next year, we could experience up to 40% less rainfall than usual.

“We also expect the possibility of experiencing the hottest year on record, with temperatures reaching 37.5 degrees Celsius,” he said.

On Monday, federal and state agencies stepped up their efforts to face the hot weather due to the upcoming El Nino.

The natural resources and environmental sustainability ministry said the phenomenon could affect agriculture, reduce dam water levels, and increase the risk of open burning and haze.

Kurup said the effects of climate change were becoming increasingly evident, with many countries, including Malaysia, experiencing higher temperatures, erratic weather patterns, and more extreme rainfall.

“Southeast Asia is among the regions most affected by climate change, including soil and coastal erosion,” he added.

He said the government was focusing on implementing its climate policies after completing the necessary planning framework.

Key initiatives include the National Carbon Market Policy, launched in April to capitalise on Malaysia’s position as a carbon sink nation.

“I want to make this the year of implementation. The policies are already in place, now it is time for us to put them into action,” he said.