Malaysia braces for record-breaking heat as strong El Niño looms in 2027
Meteorological chief Hisham Anip warned that Malaysia could see temperatures above 41 °C during the upcoming strong El Niño, surpassing the 40.1 °C record set in 1998.
During the National Climate Forum 2026 at Universiti Teknologi Malaysia, Hisham Anip, director-general of MetMalaysia, cautioned that the nation may experience maximum temperatures exceeding 41 °C as a result of an unusually strong El Niño and the broader trend of climate warming, which has raised national averages by about 0.13 °C per decade. Historical benchmarks include a 40.1 °C reading in Chuping, Perlis on 9 April 1998 and a 39.3 °C peak in Batu Embun, Pahang on 10 April 2016.
The present El Niño is forecast to surpass an index of 2.5, outpacing the 2.3 peaks of earlier events, potentially raising daily highs by up to 0.7 °C and expanding heatwave conditions above 35 °C. Hisham stressed the importance of filling reservoirs before the upcoming northeast monsoon to mitigate water shortages, aligning with Deputy Prime Minister Zahid Hamidi’s directive for early water-supply preparations. He also warned of higher electricity demand for cooling, urging grid readiness, and mentioned collaboration with the Ministry of Health to develop a heat-index warning system that categorises temperatures above 35 °C, 37 °C and 40 °C as escalating risk levels.
Why it matters
Extreme heat could strain water supplies, energy grids and public health across Malaysia.
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