KUALA LUMPUR: Experts are urging early preparations to be made in anticipation of a strong El Nino phenomenon expected to occur next month.
The phenomenon has hit the country 12 times, with the worst case occurring in 1997 to 1998, resulting in a record high temperature of 40.1 degrees Celsius at Chuping Meteorological Station, Perlis, on April 9, 1998.
Environmental expert Associate Professor Dr Haliza Abdul Rahman emphasised the need for both the government and the public to work together to minimise the impact of the phenomenon.
While Malaysia has experienced the phenomenon several times, Haliza said early preparation is necessary to avoid extreme panic.
"Therefore, the government should monitor the water level at all rivers and dams, activate emergency response plans, explore alternative water sources, encourage water conservation by the public and industry, and provide logistic support, such as cloud seeding.
"Also, improve all forms of medical and emergency assistance, such as medicines for victims and firefighting aid in the event of a fire," she said when contacted by Bernama.
Also Read:UN: World should prepare for El Nino, new record temperatures
On the part of the public, Haliza said they should be mentally and physically prepared to deal with any possibility, such as a water crisis, where measures like water rationing may be necessary in some areas.
She also advised the public to avoid doing activities that could cause a fire, store combustible materials well, and avoid open burning activities such as the burning of garbage, agricultural waste, and construction waste.
"This is to avoid air pollution that can cause haze. If there is an open fire, it must be reported immediately to the authorities for further action," she added.
Yesterday, it was reported that a strong El Nino phenomenon is expected to begin next month with a change in weather conditions due to the southwest monsoon, which is characterised by dry and hot conditions.
While the Meteorological Department's (MetMalaysia) portal showed most international climate models predicting atmospheric cycle in the tropical areas to be consistent with the El Nino Southern Oscillation (ENSO)-neutral condition, the neutral situation is expected to enter the El Nino phase this May to July with a probability of 62 per cent.
Meanwhile, environmental health expert Prof Dr Juliana Jalaludin advised the public to prevent heat stroke during this phenomenon by drinking plenty of water and wearing light-coloured and light clothing, as well as avoiding physical activity.
"Also, always use sunscreen such as broad-spectrum sunscreen with an SPF (Sun Protection Factor) of 15 or more when outdoors because sunburn affects the body's ability to cool itself," she said.
She also cautioned against leaving anyone in a stationary vehicle because the internal temperature can rise by more than 11 degrees Celsius in 10 minutes when under the sun.
Also Read:Heatstroke alert as El Nino looms
Malaysian Public Health Organisation adviser Datuk Dr Zainal Ariffin Omar said the El Nino phenomenon will increase the risk of vector-borne diseases such as dengue and malaria, as well as water and food-borne diseases like typhoid and respiratory tract diseases.
He advised people to store adequate clean water and consume healthy food, and be in shady areas when outside their homes.
Dr Zainal also suggested the government ensure sufficient and efficient public water supply services, make easily available fresh and cheap food supplies, and give early warning to the people during the phenomenon. — BERNAMA