Northeast monsoon brought prolonged heavy rain in Brunei Darussalam. As of 21 December 2025, several parts of Brunei Darussalam were expected to experience continued showers, with periods of heavy rain and thunderstorms from 20 December to 25 December 2025. This weather condition was influenced by the northeast monsoon, which was expected to continue until March 2026. The public was advised to take precautionary measures, as there was a potential risk of flash floods, particularly in low-lying and flood-prone areas, as well as along riverbanks during prolonged heavy rainfall and high tide.

Source: The Star. (2025, Dec 21). In a for wet week- Heavy showers, gusty winds expected nationwide, says Brunei weatherman.

Heavy rainfall triggered severe flooding in Indonesia.  As of 23 December 2025, torrential rainfall caused heavy flooding, resulting in widespread damage in Indonesia. Nearly 2,000 people were affected, and 603 houses were damaged in Bima Regency, West Nusa Tenggara Province. Also, more than 120 houses in North Sulawesi, North Sumatra, and East Java provinces were affected. Local authorities promptly assist people.

Source: Relief Web. (2025, Dec 23).  Indonesia-Severe weather (BMKG, BNPB) (ECHO Daily Flash of 23 December 2025)-Indonesia.

Flood evacuees decreased in Malaysia. As of 21 December 2025, the number of flood evacuees in Pahang State of Malaysia decreased to 2,575 people from 4,873. In Terengganu State, evacuees also dropped to 571 from 921. A total of 3,146 evacuees remained at temporary evacuation centres in both states. Local authorities prepared for possible further flooding amid the northeast monsoon. People were urged to remain vigilant.

Source: New Strait Times. (2025, Dec 21).  Flood evacuees drop in Pahang, Terengganu as APM stays on alert for second wave.

Kanlaon Volcano in the Philippines erupted twice in one day. On 22 December 2025, Kanlaon Volcano erupted twice in the Negros Island Region, the Philippines. Grayish plumes rose up to 300 metres above the crater before drifting northwest. The volcano remained at Alert Level 2, indicating increased unrest. Authorities prohibited entry into the four-kilometre permanent danger zone and restricted flights near the volcano. Nearby residents were advised to stay alert for possible hazards, including sudden steam-driven (phreatic) eruptions and early signs of magmatic activity.

Source: Cebu Daily News. (2025, Dec 23).  Kanlaon Volcano recorded two ash emission on Monday morning.

The Indonesian government plans to stop importing rice by 2026. According to the government, Indonesia will not import rice for either consumption or industrial use in 2026, as domestic rice production is sufficient. The decision followed a ministerial coordination meeting involving the Coordinating Ministry for Food Security, the Ministry of Trade, and the Central Statistics Agency. The government also rejected a proposal by the Ministry of Industry to import nearly 381,000 tonnes of industrial rice, as local supply is enough for all domestic demand, including in free trade zones. The policy reflects strong agricultural performance in 2025, when Indonesia halted rice and corn imports and built state rice reserves to a record 4 million tonnes. Rice production is projected to rise 13.5 percent, an increase of 34.77 million tonnes compared to 2024, supported by favorable weather and farmer assistance policies, while corn output is expected to reach about 4 million tonnes, ensuring domestic food and feed security.

Source: VnExpress. (2025, December 19). Indonesia to stop rice imports next year.

The Philippines will increase the imported rice tariff at the beginning of 2026. According to the Department of Agriculture (DA), the Philippines will increase the imported rice tariff from 15 percent to 20 percent starting January 1, 2026, as the government prepares to continue rice import after the temporary rice import ban, which aims to protect local farmers during the wet harvest season. To ease cash-flow pressures, the DA will waive the usual 10 percent down payment for sanitary and phytosanitary import clearances and begin processing permits covering up to 500,000 tonnes of rice imports, including allocations for government agencies. However, all imported rice must arrive by mid-February to protect local farmers ahead of the dry harvest season, with imports limited to a January–February window and allowed entry through only 17 designated ports nationwide.

Source: Bernama. (2025, December 17). Philippines To Increase Tariff On Imported Rice To 20 Pct In January 2026.

Thailand’s agricultural economy is expected to grow in 2026. According to the Office of Agricultural Economics (OAE), Thailand’s agricultural economy is expected to grow by 2 – 3 percent in 2026, slightly slower than in 2025. The outlook is supported by improved water availability for landowners and farmers, higher global demand, and accelerated domestic economic growth. The outlook is supported by improved water availability, stronger global demand, and domestic economic stimulus measures. However, risks remain from climate change, geopolitical tensions, economic uncertainty and rising trade barriers, including higher US tariffs. According to the OAE Acting Secretary-General said Thailand’s overall economy is expected to expand by just 1.2 – 2.2 percent in 2026, below the global average of 3.2 percent, while agricultural growth will ease from an estimated 3.3 percent this year. In addition, he stressed that Thailand should focus more on key economic crops such as rice by investing in low-carbon and high-quality production.

Source: Vietnam Plus. (2025, December 21). Thailand’s agricultural economy expected to see strong growth next year.