JBPM ramps up preparedness as Super El Niño impacts expected from early 2027
SHAH ALAM: The Fire and Rescue Department of Malaysia (JBPM) is stepping up nationwide preparedness measures as the effects of the anticipated Super El Niño are expected to begin affecting parts of the country from January next year.
JBPM director-general Datuk Seri Nor Hisham Mohammad said the prolonged weather phenomenon is forecast to bring extreme heat and significantly reduced rainfall, increasing the risk of forest and bush fires across several regions.
He said northern states, particularly Perlis and Kedah, as well as parts of northern Sabah, are expected to experience the earliest impacts before the conditions spread to other parts of the country.
In anticipation of the prolonged dry spell, JBPM has instructed its zonal commanders to activate early preparedness measures and strengthen contingency plans to respond to potential wildfire incidents and other emergencies linked to extreme weather.
According to Nor Hisham, current projections indicate that several areas nationwide could record substantially lower rainfall during March and April next year, potentially worsening drought conditions and increasing fire hazards.
He said district fire stations have been directed to strengthen coordination with the Department of Irrigation and Drainage (JPS), the Malaysian Armed Forces (ATM) and state forestry departments to ensure rapid response capabilities should forest fires occur.
The department is also preparing measures to address water supply challenges that often accompany prolonged dry weather, including the deployment of portable water pumps to support firefighting operations in areas experiencing low water pressure.
Nor Hisham said maintaining sufficient water supply during emergency operations remains one of JBPM’s operational priorities, particularly in remote locations where access to water sources may be limited.
To enhance operational readiness, JBPM has allocated 667 firefighting and rescue assets to support response efforts throughout the anticipated Super El Niño period.
The assets include water tankers, Fire Rescue Tender (FRT) engines and portable pumps, with the latter playing an important role in suppressing fires in forested areas that are inaccessible by conventional firefighting vehicles.
Portable pumps, he explained, enable firefighters to draw water directly from nearby rivers, lakes or other natural sources when road access is unavailable.
Earlier this year, the Malaysian Meteorological Department (METMalaysia) warned that the developing El Niño event has a high probability of strengthening into a Super El Niño by the end of 2026 or early 2027.
The department previously cited forecasts from the United States Climate Prediction Center indicating an increasing likelihood of a strong El Niño event, prompting government agencies to intensify disaster preparedness measures.
In response to those projections, JBPM has continued enhancing its operational readiness by strengthening both ground and aerial firefighting capabilities to minimise the potential impact of prolonged hot and dry conditions expected over the coming months.
