PORT KLANG: The Natural Resources and Environmental Sustainability Ministry (NRES) is gearing up for the potential impacts of the upcoming La Nina phenomenon, expected to affect the country between July and September.
Minister Nik Nazmi Nik Ahmad said that the Malaysian Meteorological Department (MetMalaysia), an agency under NRES, will vigilantly monitor and update national weather conditions.
"We are preparing to face the La Nina phenomenon starting next month, with inter-ministerial cooperation involving the Energy Transition and Water Transformation (Petra) Ministry and the Housing and Local Government Ministry.
"This collaboration is crucial to manage increased rainfall, especially following previous periods of heat and dryness.
"Under my ministry, MetMalaysia will provide full cooperation in preparing for this phenomenon," he said at a press conference following a working visit to Port Klang concerning the issue of e-waste container entry.
On June 9, MetMalaysia announced the impending La Nina phenomenon, known for typically bringing wetter weather conditions, expected to commence between July and September.
Its director-general, Muhammad Helmi Abdullah, said the phenomenon usually peaks towards the year-end and extends into the following year.
He mentioned that La Nina episodes can persist for five to 18 months. Based on international forecasting models, the upcoming La Niña is expected to be of weak to moderate strength.
However, Muhammad Helmi emphasized that each La Nina episode is unique and may produce varying outcomes.
MetMalaysia will continue to monitor the situation closely and update national weather information based on the latest inputs from various weather models.