PUTRAJAYA, Feb 9 (Bernama) -- Malaysia will place emphasis on haze, open burning and sufficient water supply in its preparation to face the expected drought next month, Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak said Friday.

The Deputy Prime Minister said Malaysia would work closely with its neighbours, particularly Indonesia, in ensuring that there would not be any occurrence of the haze.

"This is very critical, especially in view of Visit Malaysia Year now," he told reporters after chairing the Permata Negara Committee meeting, here. Permata is a pre-school children's education programme.

Najib, who is also chairman of the National Disaster Management and Relief Committee, said the government would also ensure that there would not be any open burning carried out during the coming drought.

"In addition, all water catchment areas would be monitored to ensure adequate water supply and if necessary, water rationing would be carried out," he added.

He was asked to comment on the government's preparation to face the expected drought in view of the current hot spell and the anticipated El Nino phenomenon that would hit the country next month.