Kota Kinabalu: Sabah is ready to face the current hot spell which is expected to persist for the next few months, said Chief Minister Datuk Seri Hajiji Noor.
He said the State Government is always prepared while keeping a close watch on developments.
“We are always ready. The State Natural Disaster Committee chaired by the State Secretary is always ready. But now, we are still monitoring the situation and there is nothing to be too concerned about,” he said when met by the media after officiating the opening of Sabah Police Gallery at the Sabah Police Contingent Headquarters in Kapayan, here, Wednesday.
He also advised the public to exercise caution and take necessary precautions.
“We are now facing rather hot weather. So my advice to the people is to be careful, especially when working in the fields or outdoors,” he said.
The Malaysian Meteorological Department (MetMalaysia) reported that the hot weather phenomenon currently affecting the country is expected to continue until the beginning of the Southwest Monsoon in June, due to drier atmospheric conditions and lower rainfall distribution.
Its Deputy Director-General (Operations) Ambun Dindang said Malaysia is now in the final phase of the Northeast Monsoon, which is typically characterised by reduced rainfall and hotter, drier weather, particularly in northern and inland areas.
He said projections from local and international weather models indicate that drier-than-usual conditions are likely to persist over the coming months.
However, during the inter-monsoon transition period from late March to May, some areas, including western Sabah, are expected to receive occasional afternoon and early evening showers, which may help moderate temperatures slightly.
Ambun added that rainfall is expected to increase gradually towards the end of this week, affecting parts of Peninsular Malaysia as well as western Sabah and Sarawak.
Despite this, many areas have recorded below-normal rainfall levels. In Sabah, Papar has experienced up to 17 consecutive days without rain as of March 23, although locations such as Sandakan and Tawau have recorded above-normal rainfall.
He noted that hot weather conditions are common during the final phase of the Northeast Monsoon between February and April, but the severity may also be influenced by broader climate variability, including the El Niño phenomenon.
Ambun also warned that prolonged hot and dry conditions could increase the risk of heat-related illnesses such as heat stroke and dehydration, in addition to lowering dam levels and potentially disrupting water supply.
He advised the public to stay hydrated, limit outdoor activities during peak afternoon hours, wear suitable clothing, avoid open burning, and use water prudently during the dry spell.
