Malaysia braces for super El Niño heatwave and haze risk from November 2026

Malaysia’s disaster management agencies are preparing for a “super El Niño” phenomenon expected to begin in November 2026 and last into January 2027. The event could push temperatures to around 40 °C, sharply reduce rainfall and raise the risk of severe haze by early 2027, especially during the southwest monsoon season. Officials cited past extreme heat readings in Perlis (40.1 °C in 1998) and Pahang (39.3 °C in 2016) as warning signs.

Regional cooperation on climate and disaster preparedness is also intensifying. ASEAN meetings in Laos discussed technology, innovation and joint responses to extreme weather, while neighboring countries such as Singapore, Indonesia and Brunei face similar haze threats due to dry conditions and cross‑border smoke transport. Malaysia’s approach links diplomatic policy with economic measures aimed at protecting jobs and attracting investment while strengthening resilience to climate shocks.