Gerakan has urged the government to take concrete measures to counter the El Nino phenomenon which is getting from bad to worst.

Gerakan’s head of central bureau on environment, safety and quality of life, Dr Cheah Soon Hai, said according to the Meteorological Station, the present hot weather was the impact of El Nino.

Dr Cheah, who is also Derga State Assemblyman, urged the government to encourage the people to reduce usage of energy, a contributing factor of global warming. “We should further explore using alternative source of energy such as solar, wind and even nuclear, to protect the environment.”

He said the government should also be strict in dealing with offenders of open burning.

He said in June last year, Gerakan had urged the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment to set up a special unit to study and monitor the El Nino phenomenon, so as to be fully prepared for any eventuality.

Dr Cheah said El Nino would have a negative impact on our health, weather and the economy. The current dry season would also be longer.

“Since El Nino is taking place, the government and the people have to work closely together. While the government should be strict on the enforcement side, the people could save water and practise “green” living.”