Super El Nino threat: Govt steps up measures to protect padi supply, fisheries as heat and drought loom

Minister Datuk Seri Mohamad Sabu said the national agrofood sector was facing mounting challenges due to the conflict in West Asia and the threat of extreme heat and prolonged dry weather, which could disrupt the supply of staple foods. — Picture by Raymond Manuel


First Published: Tuesday, 27 Oct 2026 9:02 AM MYT

KUALA LUMPUR, Oct 27 — The Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security (KPKM) has stepped up inter-agency preparedness measures to address the Super El Nino phenomenon, which is already showing early effects in the country.

Minister Datuk Seri Mohamad Sabu said the national agrofood sector was facing mounting challenges due to the conflict in West Asia and the threat of extreme heat and prolonged dry weather, which could disrupt the supply of staple foods.

He said particular attention was being given to monitoring dam water levels, especially at the Ahning Dam in Kedah, where levels remained at alert and warning thresholds, posing a risk to padi cultivation in the major Muda granary area.

“The ministry has mobilised inter-agency preparedness measures through an integrated approach and the use of technology.

“These include implementing Integrated Water Resources Management (IWRM), expanding the Smart Irrigation Monitoring System, introducing alternative water management methods for padi cultivation and promoting Controlled Environment Agriculture (CEA) to ensure sustainable water security,” he said when winding up debate on the Supply Bill 2027 for the ministry in the Dewan Rakyat yesterday. 

Mohamad said extensive preparations were also under way in the fisheries sector, as rising sea temperatures were altering fish distribution patterns, affecting aquaculture water quality and threatening reef ecosystems.

He said capture fisheries and aquaculture production in affected areas could decline by 5,624 metric tonnes, or 1.5 per cent, this year.

To address these challenges, he said the ministry had taken proactive measures, including the use of early weather warning systems, the MyFSI location tracking system and the Aquaculture Disaster Mitigation Plan, alongside the implementation of the Fisheries Sector Climate Change Action Plan 2024-2030.

“Under Budget 2027, RM125.9 million in fiscal support has been allocated, including RM30 million for an additional 3,000 special small-boat licences, RM30 million for Agro BioFloc financing, RM10 million for Capture Fisheries Catalyst Financing and RM2.3 million for biofisheries and biosecurity initiatives,” he said.

Meanwhile, Mohamad assured that the country’s frozen fish reserves were being increased, with total stocks reaching 10,000 metric tonnes as of Sept 30 to prepare for the Super El Nino phenomenon and the Northeast Monsoon.

Overall, he said the ministry received an allocation of RM6.92 billion under Budget 2027, comprising RM4.85 billion for operating expenditure and RM2.07 billion for development expenditure.