Kedah residents are advised to limit outdoor exposure and conserve water as hot, dry weather pushes temperatures towards 40°C in some districts
ALOR SETAR: The Kedah state government has urged residents to limit outdoor activities and reduce direct sun exposure due to ongoing hot and dry conditions.
State Housing, Local Government and Health Committee chairman Mansor Zakaria (pic) issued the advisory following a MetMalaysia forecast placing the Padang Terap district at a Level 2 heatwave.
Temperatures in the district are reaching between 37°C and 40°C. “The weather in Kedah is hotter compared with other states because we have not received rain for more than a month,” Mansor told Bernama.
He advised the public to reduce outdoor visits during Aidilfitri and recreational activities to avoid heat-related illnesses. “I am worried that people may be exposed to very high temperatures that could cause heat stroke.”
Mansor recommended drinking plenty of plain water to prevent dehydration and avoiding sugary drinks. He also urged the public to refrain from open burning, warning that fires could spread rapidly in the dry conditions.
The current weather is also impacting water resources across the state. “The water levels in rivers and dams in this state are also decreasing, so avoid wasting water,” he added.
Mansor called for prudent water use, especially in areas already facing shortages. MetMalaysia noted that 14 areas in Peninsular Malaysia are at a Level 1 heat alert.
This includes several Kedah districts like Baling, Sik, Pendang and Langkawi.