Prolonged exposure could trigger variety of heat-related illnesses: Health Ministry
PETALING JAYA: Malaysia is entering a dangerous stretch of heatwave, with health authorities saying soaring temperatures are triggering illnesses nationwide, and could turn deadly if precautions are ignored.
The Health Ministry in a statement yesterday said several areas across Kedah, Penang, Perak, Pahang and Perlis are now under a Level 1 heat alert, with temperatures hovering between 35°C and 37°C for at least three consecutive days.
Parts of Kedah (Pokok Sena, Pendang and Baling) have escalated to Level 2, in which temperatures have exceeded 37°C and may climb as high as 40°C.
The ministry added that prolonged exposure to such conditions could lead to a spectrum of heat-related illnesses.
This ranges from headaches, fatigue and dizziness to more severe outcomes such as dehydration, confusion, unconsciousness and even coma.
“Hot weather could be harmful to human health, and in extreme cases, it could be fatal.
”Continuous monitoring by the ministry from Jan 1 to March 24 recorded a total of 15 heat-related illness cases nationwide, comprising 11 cases of heat exhaustion, one case of heat cramps and three cases of heatstroke.
“(The individuals involved)in all cases have recovered, except for one involving a child who was accidentally left in a vehicle and subsequently died due to heatstroke.
”The ministry emphasised that while anyone could be affected, the risks are significantly higher for children, the elderly, individuals with chronic illnesses, outdoor workers and those engaging in physical activity under the sun.
With festive season visits and outdoor activities expected to continue, the ministry urged the public to rethink their routines, particularly during peak heat hours between 11am and 4pm.
The ministry also said staying hydrated is critical, advising the public to drink at least eight glasses of water daily even if they do not feel thirsty, while cutting back on sugary, caffeinated and carbonated drinks that could worsen dehydration.
It said simple measures such as wearing light clothing, taking frequent showers, limiting strenuous activity and using fans or air-conditioning could make a significant difference in reducing heat stress.
It also cautioned against staying inside parked vehicles without ventilation and reiterated a strict reminder: never leave children unattended in vehicles under any circumstances.
Communities were urged to look out for vulnerable individuals, particularly elderly individuals living alone, as heat-related symptoms could escalate quickly without timely intervention.
Those experiencing signs of heat related illness have been advised to seek immediate medical attention.
“(The ministry) also urges government agencies, educational institutions, elderly care centres and childcare centres to implement the recommended preventive measures to reduce heat-related health risks.
The public can obtain the latest updates on hot weather status via the MetMalaysia website (https://www.met.gov.my/iklim/status-cuacapanas/) and access preventive measures to reduce health risks from hot weather on the Health Ministry’s InfoSihat portal (https://infosihat.moh.gov.my/cuaca-panas.html).
