The heatwave, driven by the current monsoon transition, has already pushed temperatures to approximately 37.5 degrees Celsius, according to the minister. Authorities are closely monitoring the situation as conditions continue to worsen, with the hottest months still ahead.
Malaysia is entering one of its most challenging weather periods in recent years, as authorities warn that a prolonged dry spell and rising temperatures could persist through June.
Speaking in Kuala Lumpur, Arthur Joseph Kurup, Minister of Natural Resources and Environmental Sustainability, confirmed that the country has officially entered a high-risk weather phase marked by extreme heat and mounting pressure on water resources.
“We expect to have very dry months ahead – April and May, and possibly until June. We are now noting temperatures rising even higher,” he said.
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Temperatures Climb to 37.5°C Amid Intensifying Heatwave
The heatwave, driven by the current monsoon transition, has already pushed temperatures to approximately 37.5 degrees Celsius, according to the minister.
Authorities are closely monitoring the situation as conditions continue to worsen, with the hottest months still ahead. The sustained rise in temperatures is not only affecting daily life but also placing increasing strain on critical infrastructure, particularly water supply systems.
The extended dry conditions have begun to deplete vital water reserves across the country, raising concerns over long-term supply stability.
While the government has already carried out a first round of cloud-seeding operations in Kedah, Perlis, Perak, Melaka and Johor, the results have fallen short of expectations.
“There has been rainfall. However, one of the key measures is to see whether there has been a rise in the dam water levels, and it hasn’t actually reached the target that we wanted,” Mr Kurup said.
With dam levels still below desired thresholds, authorities have requested a second round of cloud seeding, expected to focus on southern regions including Johor and Melaka.
Risk of Transboundary Haze Returns
Beyond water shortages, the prolonged absence of rainfall is raising alarms over air quality.
The minister warned that dry conditions significantly increase the likelihood of transboundary haze, a recurring environmental issue in the region. The government is preparing to engage with neighbouring countries if the situation escalates.
Officials say the government is taking a proactive approach as conditions evolve.
“We will be issuing more guidelines as the weeks progress. We are hoping to take any mitigative steps… we will monitor and will be issuing warnings and guidelines,” Mr Kurup said.
The coming months are expected to test Malaysia’s resilience to climate variability, as authorities balance immediate interventions with longer-term environmental management.
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