Health Minister reports 15 heat-related cases this year, including a child’s death, as MetMalaysia issues hot weather warnings across multiple states.
PUTRAJAYA: Health Minister Datuk Seri Dr Dzulkefly Ahmad has confirmed 15 heat-related cases so far this year. The cases include three incidents of heatstroke and one death involving a child left in a vehicle.
He urged the public to be vigilant for early signs of heatstroke. These signs include prolonged dizziness, unusual thirst and a rising body temperature.
“If these signs appear, take immediate preventive measures by seeking shade, drinking plenty of plain water, and cooling the body promptly,” he said in a Facebook post. He also warned against leaving anyone unattended in a vehicle, even briefly.
Infants, children, the elderly and chronic patients are among the groups at highest risk. Individuals active in hot weather are also particularly vulnerable.
The warning comes as hot weather conditions intensify across the country. The Malaysian Meteorological Department (MetMalaysia) reported Padang Terap, Kedah, has reached a Level Two heatwave.
Daily maximum temperatures there are ranging between 37 and 40 degrees Celsius. A total of 14 areas in Peninsular Malaysia are now at Level One alert.
The alert covers the entire state of Perlis. It also includes Baling, Sik, Pendang, Pokok Sena, Kubang Pasu, Pulau Langkawi, Kuala Muda and Bandar Baharu in Kedah.
The same warning applies to the Northeast District in Penang. Hulu Perak, Kuala Kangsar, Jerantut and Rembau are also under alert.
MetMalaysia defines a heatwave as daily maximum temperatures between 37 and 40 degrees Celsius for three consecutive days. The alert level refers to temperatures between 35 and 37 degrees Celsius for the same period.
The public can check the latest daily hot weather status online. Updates are available at MetMalaysia’s official website.
