Govt urged to prepare for possible 2027 El Niño and rising household costs
PETALING JAYA: The government is being urged to introduce early measures to protect households from potential cost-of-living increases, as climate forecasts point to a significant El Niño event in 2027 that could stress utility supplies and food prices.
Federation of Malaysian Consumers Associations (Fomca) CEO Dr Saravanan Thambirajah said prolonged extreme heat could deepen financial hardship for families already struggling with daily expenses, particularly low-income households unable to afford higher utility bills or energy-efficient cooling appliances.
READ MORE: Malaysia could see temperatures of 40°C or higher under Super El Nino
READ MORE: UN says El Nino strengthening rapidly, to peak in December
His warning comes as the Meteorological Department projects that temperatures could exceed 41°C between March and May next year, potentially surpassing the country’s all-time record of 40.1°C set in Chuping, Perlis, in April 1998.
Department director-general Dr Mohd Hisham Mohd Anip said the anticipated Super El Niño could be more intense than the 1997/1998 and 2015/2016 episodes, with its index projected to exceed 2.5, compared with the previous peak of 2.3.
Against this backdrop, Saravanan said Malaysia could not afford to wait until extreme heat triggers water disruptions, surging electricity demand and higher food prices before taking preventive action.
“Preparedness must begin now and the government must take the lead.”
He called for an urgent, coordinated national preparedness programme involving ministries, utility providers, regulators and public health agencies, adding that a fragmented response would leave vulnerable communities exposed.
Saravanan said prolonged hot weather could force households to rely more heavily on air-conditioners and fans, pushing up electricity consumption, while reduced rainfall could threaten reservoirs, water catchments and agricultural production.
However, he cautioned against placing the burden of conservation entirely on consumers while inefficiencies in electricity and water supply systems remain unresolved.
He also urged the government to increase the Nur Madani rebate of up to RM200 for energy-efficient appliances announced under Budget 2027, saying the incentive may be insufficient to help poorer families replace ageing refrigerators and air-conditioners.
“For a low-income family, RM200 may not be sufficient to make the purchase of a new energy-efficient refrigerator or an airconditioner affordable,” he said.
Saravanan proposed higher targeted incentives and an appliance trade-in scheme for B40 households, senior citizens and persons with disabilities to help reduce long-term electricity costs without adding to their financial burden.
Beyond rising utility bills, he said prolonged dry weather could disrupt agricultural production and food supply chains, potentially driving up the prices of essential goods and placing further pressure on household budgets.
“Depending on the severity and duration of the conditions, disruptions to food production and supply chains could place additional pressure on food prices.
“This would directly affect household expenditure, particularly among lower-income families who already spend a substantial portion of their income on essential food items.”
He also urged authorities to closely monitor agricultural production, food supplies and prices, while strengthening enforcement against profiteering and unjustified price increases.
Saravanan said elderly residents living alone, outdoor workers and families in poorly ventilated homes would be particularly vulnerable to extreme heat, making targeted financial assistance and public health protection equally important.
He stressed that the federal government must immediately initiate a nationwide, multi-agency preparedness programme rather than wait for extreme weather to strike, with clear responsibilities for authorities and utility providers.
“Preparedness today could prevent greater hardship tomorrow,” he said, stressing that early intervention would likely cost far less than dealing with the financial, social and health consequences of delayed action.
“The government must lead, utility providers must act and consumers must prepare. The time to start is now, not when El Niño is already affecting our daily lives.