IPOH — Perak is stepping up preparations for the Super El Niño phenomenon, with hospitals and clinics given the highest priority for water supplies, including a minimum 48-hour reserve in storage tanks.

Speaking at the State Legislative Assembly, Perak Menteri Besar Datuk Seri Saarani Mohamad said the state government was taking the phenomenon seriously, as it could bring hotter and drier weather than usual, particularly during the Southwest Monsoon from May 14 to September this year.

He said the phenomenon was expected to persist until early 2027, prompting the state government to continuously strengthen its preparedness measures.

“Through the State Disaster Management Committee (JPBN), technical agencies such as the Malaysian Meteorological Department (MetMalaysia), Department of Irrigation and Drainage (JPS) and Perak Water Board (LAP) are continuously monitoring and reporting weather forecasts and water levels at major dams.

“This includes Bukit Merah Dam and Sultan Azlan Shah Dam,” he said.Saarani was responding to an oral question from Bota assemblyman Najihatussalehah Ahmad about the state government’s plans and preparedness for the Super El Niño phenomenon.

On public health, Saarani said the Perak Health Department (JKN Perak) was guided by the Health Ministry’s 2021 Action Plan for Managing Health Risks from Heatwaves.

He said four main strategies had been outlined, namely targeted health advocacy, daily surveillance of heat-related illnesses, haze and waterborne diseases, activation of the crisis preparedness and response centre if a heatwave warning was issued, and ensuring the continuity of health facility operations.

“JKN Perak, together with LAP, gives the highest priority to water supplies for hospitals and clinics, with a minimum 48-hour storage tank reserve.