SUSTAINABLE Development Network Malaysia (SUSDEN Malaysia) has called for a broader national response to the El Niño phenomenon, warning that preparations must extend beyond emergency measures and address the environmental factors that increase disaster risks.
While it welcomed the government’s move to place the National Disaster Management Agency (NADMA) in charge of coordinating preparedness efforts for El Niño, which is expected to persist until 2027, it said effective preparedness requires a whole-of-government and whole-of-society approach involving ministries, local authorities, government-linked companies, businesses, educational institutions and the public.
“Disaster preparedness should not be limited to emergency response. It must also include preventive measures that address environmental degradation and strengthen national resilience,” the organisation stressed.
According to SUSDEN, prolonged El Niño conditions could increase the risks of extreme heat, drought, water shortages, air pollution, biodiversity loss and threats to food security.
The organisation said activities such as open burning, poor waste management, river pollution, inadequate drainage maintenance and the removal of mature shade trees contribute to environmental degradation and increase vulnerability to climate-related impacts.
It noted that despite long-standing restrictions, open burning continues to occur in various sectors, including agricultural activities and landscape maintenance.
“Such practices contribute to air pollution and greenhouse gas emissions while undermining efforts to build climate resilience,” it added.
SUSDEN further called for stronger measures to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, minimise waste generation and conserve forests, trees and natural ecosystems that serve as carbon sinks and help regulate local temperatures.
The organisation urged the government to continue investing in reliable and efficient public transport as part of Malaysia’s broader climate action strategy, while local authorities should improve parking management and enforcement to reduce dependence on private vehicles.
On environmental conservation, SUSDEN said mature shade trees should only be removed when there are compelling safety concerns and should otherwise be maintained by qualified arboriculture specialists.
The organisation also called for greater transparency in investigations involving environmental incidents, including the recent fish mortality incident at Danau Kota Lake.
It said agencies should conduct comprehensive and science-based investigations rather than attributing such incidents solely to heavy rainfall without identifying underlying causes.
“Transparency is essential to ensure accountability and allow corrective measures to be implemented effectively,” it continued.
SUSDEN further highlighted concerns raised by fish farmers along the Pahang River, who have reported significantly higher fish mortality rates in recent years, which they attributed to deteriorating water quality and pollution.
The organisation warned that environmental degradation and biodiversity loss could have wider implications for fisheries, agriculture and national food security.
It therefore called for greater awareness among policymakers, local authorities, community leaders and government agencies regarding the links between climate change, pollution, biodiversity conservation and food security.
“National preparedness for El Niño is not the responsibility of NADMA alone. It requires the active participation of all levels of government and society to reduce disaster risks, protect the environment and strengthen national resilience,” it noted. ‒ June 20, 2026
Main image: Bernama
