The haze phenomenon has once again become a major issue in Malaysia in August 2026, as the Southeast Asian region faces hot and dry conditions as well as an increase in forest fires in Indonesia. This development is particularly concerning as the Malaysian Meteorological Department (MetMalaysia) has warned that a very strong El Niño episode, often referred to in public reports as “Super El Niño”, could develop between November 2026 and January 2027. Under such conditions, temperatures in Malaysia could rise significantly, while rainfall could decrease by as much as 40 to 60 per cent in some areas, with temperatures of around 40°C potentially occurring under certain circumstances. Historical records in Malaysia show that a temperature of 40.1°C was recorded in Chuping, Perlis, providing an important example of the country’s potential to experience extreme temperatures during an El Niño episode.

Therefore, haze is not merely a problem of smoke in the air. It is a test of the resilience of public health, food and water security, the economy, biodiversity and governance. If El Niño becomes particularly strong towards the end of 2026, the question is no longer whether Malaysia will be affected, but rather to what extent the country is prepared to ensure that the haze episode does not develop into a larger health, environmental and social crisis.

Public Concern Is Growing

If a very strong El Niño develops as forecast towards the end of 2026, the risks of extreme heat, reduced rainfall, fires and haze could increase. Consequently, the 2026 haze has begun to influence public perceptions and behaviour. The closure of schools in Sarawak due to an Air Pollutant Index (API) reading exceeding 200 is a clear example of how parents, teachers and authorities need to make decisions based on health risks. Public concern is not merely about “how high is the API?”, but also about how long the haze will last, whether schools will be closed, whether it is safe for children to play outdoors, what the impact will be on people with asthma, whether water supplies will be sufficient, and whether conditions will worsen when El Niño reaches its peak.

These concerns may become more serious if public information is not communicated consistently. Therefore, risk communication must form part of the haze management strategy. The public needs to receive clear and accessible information on the API, PM2.5, wind direction, hotspot areas, school status, health advice and weather outlooks. Data transparency is crucial to preventing speculation and strengthening public confidence in government action.

Public Health: The Most Concerning Threat

Public concern about haze has a strong scientific basis. A Malaysian study involving 92 government hospitals and 92 air quality monitoring stations covering the period from 2000 to 2019 recorded 1,773,949 hospital admissions for respiratory diseases during the study period associated with haze episodes. The study demonstrated an association between exposure to PM10 and an increased risk of hospital admission due to respiratory diseases. A review study also found that for every 10 µg/m³ increase in PM10, hospital admission rates could increase by approximately 0.51 to 3.7 per cent.

The threat becomes more complex when haze and extreme heat occur simultaneously. People are exposed not only to PM2.5 and PM10 but also to dehydration, heat exhaustion and the risk of heatstroke. Children, older adults, outdoor workers, and individuals with respiratory and cardiovascular diseases are among the most vulnerable groups.

Air and Food: The Crisis That May Follow the Haze

Public concern is also increasingly focused on water supplies. A strong El Niño can reduce rainfall and increase evaporation rates, while water demand rises as temperatures increase. Climate experts have warned that Malaysia needs to be prepared for potential water shortages if dry conditions persist. This is particularly important because a water crisis can develop gradually and may not receive the same level of attention as haze, yet its effects on households, agriculture and industry can persist for much longer. 

The agricultural sector is also at risk. Reduced rainfall and heat stress can lower crop yields and increase production costs. Oil palm, rice and other food crops depend on suitable water and temperature conditions. If domestic production is affected while global commodity prices also rise as a result of El Niño, consumers may ultimately face higher food prices.

Malaysia needs to act before conditions reach a critical stage. Early warning systems should integrate El Niño forecasts, temperature, rainfall, soil moisture, dam water levels, peatland conditions, satellite-detected hotspots, wind direction, as well as PM2.5 and PM10 levels. At the same time, enforcement against open burning, peatland management, hospital preparedness, school protection, water supply security, and Malaysia–Indonesia–ASEAN cooperation should be strengthened.

Date of Input: 28/08/2026 | Updated: 28/08/2026 | alyarahim