Situated within a region of weak steering currents, the storm slowly intensified as it drifted in a general northward direction.

Conditions for strengthening improved markedly on April 27 and Mala subsequently underwent rapid intensification which culminated in the cyclone attaining its peak.

In the wake of Mala, the Red Cross distributed relief aid to affected residents while local officials set up shelters to house those left homeless.

In mid to late April 2006, a pulse in the Madden–Julian oscillation, coupled with a Kelvin wave (which later contributed to the formation of Typhoon Chanchu in the western Pacific), enhanced convective activity over the Bay of Bengal.

[1] The Joint Typhoon Warning Center (JTWC) began monitoring the system for potential tropical cyclogenesis the following day.

[3] By 0600 UTC on April 24, an area of low pressure formed southeast of the Andaman Islands and the India Meteorological Department (IMD) began monitoring the disturbance.

[1][11] By this time, both the JTWC and IMD estimated Mala to have attained hurricane-force winds with the latter classifying it as a very severe cyclonic storm.

[11] Situated in an area with sea surface temperatures of 28 to 29 °C (82 to 84 °F), the cyclone was able to undergo rapid intensification as wind shear abruptly diminished.

[1] The IMD estimated Mala to have reached its peak intensity at 0900 UTC on April 28 with winds of 185 km/h (115 mph) and a barometric pressure of 954 mbar (hPa; 28.17 inHg).

[12] Using the Dvorak technique, a method of determining a tropical cyclone's strength via satellite imagery, the agency gave Mala a rating of T#5.5 which yields an intensity of 189 km/h (117 mph).

[13] As the powerful storm approached Myanmar, the combined effects of increasing wind shear and land interaction soon took their toll on Mala.

[14] At 0700 UTC on April 29, Mala made landfall just south of Thandwe in Myanmar's Rakhine State as a very severe cyclonic storm.

[19] Once the storm moved inland, residents across the country were advised of the likelihood of widespread heavy rain from the remnant system.

Cautionary signals were raised at ports in Chittagong, Cox's Bazar, and Mongla, advising seafaring vessels to remain docked until the storm's passage.

[9] Flash flood warnings were issued across northern Thailand on April 29 under the threat of heavy rains from Mala's remnants.

[22] Though Mala struck Myanmar as a powerful cyclone, early warnings and proper evacuations minimized loss of life along coastal areas.

[27] A local newspaper, The New Light of Myanmar, claimed that government officials immediately provided assistance to affected residents across the country.