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The simultaneous occurrence of El Niño and the southwest monsoon has raised concerns over the return of severe transboundary haze
Malaysian Meteorological (METMalaysia) Department Director-General Dr Mohd Hisham Mohd Anip cautioned that these combined atmospheric patterns traditionally create the worst haze conditions, which usually peak between July and October.
Uncontrolled forest and peatland fires in Sumatra and Kalimantan are the catalyst for this environmental threat; seasonal winds blow directly across the Malacca Strait, transporting dense smoke into Peninsular Malaysia and Sarawak
METMalaysia explained that the expected drop in precipitation, driven by the strengthening El Niño cycle, significantly exacerbates domestic and regional fire risks, making it easier for unmanaged land clearing to spark widespread blazes.
Government officials have stressed that regional cooperation and swift local intervention remain critical to preventing an escalation into a full-scale public health crisis, according to Bernama.
In response to the looming dry spell, the Fire and Rescue Department has mobilised extensive operational resources to reinforce its capabilities
The department has placed 24,434 personnel on high standby, drawing from a combined pool of full-time officers, auxiliary personnel, and volunteer brigades, according to The Star.
Firefighters will deploy expanded drone fleets to enhance air-monitoring capabilities, allowing tactical teams to pinpoint the precise coordinates of illegal open burning as early as 6am during peak operational periods.
To maintain maximum emergency coverage, the administration will suspend leave for roughly 80% of its active firefighting workforce during the high-risk months.
Senior command divisions have conducted extensive coordination meetings to ensure the immediate readiness of 1,692 primary deployment assets
These logistical arrangements rely heavily on an inter-agency partnership with the Drainage and Irrigation Department to secure high-capacity water pumps and heavy excavators necessary for deep peatland fire suppression.
The National Disaster Management Agency confirmed that while current conditions remain stable, the government is taking the situation seriously and has ordered all emergency units to implement early mitigation protocols immediately.
