The health ministry warns of serious heat-related illnesses as Malaysia’s hot weather continues, urging high-risk groups and the public to take preventive measures.
PUTRAJAYA: The Ministry of Health has issued a stark warning about the dangers of the country’s prolonged hot weather. It cautions that heat-related illnesses can range from mild symptoms to severe, potentially fatal conditions.
Based on continuous monitoring from Jan 1 to March 24, the ministry recorded 15 cases nationwide. These involved 11 cases of heat exhaustion, one case of heat cramps, and three cases of heat stroke.
“All cases have recovered except for one case of heat stroke involving a child who was trapped in a vehicle without the parents noticing who died due to heat stroke,” the ministry stated. It emphasised that all individuals exposed to prolonged heat are at risk.
Children, the elderly, individuals with chronic diseases, outdoor workers, and those performing physical activities in the heat are considered high-risk groups. Symptoms of illness include headaches, fatigue, dizziness, and muscle cramps.
More serious conditions can lead to dehydration, confusion, unconsciousness, and coma. In response, MOH is urging the public to adopt key preventive measures.
It advises planning outdoor activities, such as Raya pilgrimages, by avoiding peak heat hours between 11 am and 4 pm. The public should ensure an intake of at least eight glasses of plain water daily to maintain hydration.
Reducing the intake of sweet, caffeinated, and carbonated drinks is also recommended, as they are not good for body hydration. Risk groups like infants and the elderly should be monitored to ensure they drink enough water.
Further precautions include bathing frequently and wearing light, brightly coloured clothing. The ministry also advises limiting strenuous activity and using personal protection like umbrellas and hats outdoors.
A critical reminder is not to stay in closed vehicles without air conditioning. Parents and guardians must ensure children are not left alone in vehicles exposed to heat.
“The ministry also urges government agencies, educational institutions and elderly and child care centres to take appropriate preventive measures,” the statement added. The public can access the latest hot weather status via the Malaysian Meteorological Department website.
Health guidelines related to hot weather are available on the official MOH portal. Earlier, MetMalaysia’s update indicated three districts in Kedah are currently recording a Level 2 heat wave.
The affected districts are Pokok Sena, Pendang and Baling. Meanwhile, 16 other areas throughout Peninsular Malaysia are at a Level 1 alert status.
The areas under Level 1 are Sik, Padang Terap, Kubang Pasu, Langkawi, Kuala Muda, Kulim and Bandar Baharu in Kedah. The whole of Perlis as well as the North-East and North areas of Penang are also included.
Also recording the same status are Hulu Perak, Selama, Kinta and Kuala Kangsar in Perak. The Jerantut and Raub districts in Pahang are similarly under a Level 1 alert.
