Health experts warn of heightened risks as temperatures soar, with vulnerable groups urged to take preventive measures against heatstroke and exhaustion

PETALING JAYA: Malaysia is expected to experience prolonged hot and dry conditions until June, with health experts adding that vulnerable groups face heightened risks as temperatures rise.

Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia public health specialist Prof Dr Sharifa Ezat Wan Puteh said certain groups are particularly susceptible to heat-related illnesses, including the elderly, pregnant women, children, outdoor workers and individuals with underlying medical conditions.

She said simple preventive measures could significantly reduce the risk of hyperthermia, such as staying in shaded areas, drinking water frequently, limiting physical exertion, reducing outdoor exposure and wearing light, breathable clothing.

“The normal human body temperature typically ranges between 36.5°C and 37.5°C, but once it rises beyond 40°C, the condition becomes severe and can be life-threatening,” she said.

She stressed the need for schools to suspend outdoor activities during extreme heat spells as children are particularly vulnerable to dehydration and heatstroke.

She advised the public to remain well hydrated, avoid direct sunlight, wear protective gear such as hats and stay in ventilated or air-conditioned environments whenever possible.

Caffeinated and alcoholic beverages should be avoided as they may contribute to dehydration, she added.

“For parents with young children, it is important to monitor those with existing fevers as their elevated body temperature may be due to infection rather than external heat and require appropriate medical treatment.”

Sharifa explained that early exposure to excessive heat may cause sweating, flushed skin and increased body temperature as blood vessels dilate.

However, prolonged exposure could lead to heat exhaustion, characterised by heavy sweating, weakness, dizziness, rapid pulse, reduced urine output and nausea.

“If body temperature continues to rise beyond 40°C, it may progress to heatstroke, which is a medical emergency.

“Symptoms include confusion, agitation, dry skin, loss of consciousness and even organ failure, which can be fatal.”

She added that extended periods of high temperatures could have broader impacts, including worsening air quality due to haze, reduced crop yields affecting food security, and a possible rise in infectious and vector-borne diseases.

According to media reports, Meteorological Department director-general Mohd Hisham Mohd Anip said the current heatwave is a typical phenomenon towards the end of the northeast monsoon, driven by reduced cloud cover and the sun’s position directly over the region.

“Based on our monitoring, the hot weather that began in February will continue until the start of the southwest monsoon in June.”

He noted that temperatures are expected to peak between mid-March and mid-April, reaching as high as 38°C, particularly in the northern states of Peninsular Malaysia due to their proximity to the Indochina region.

Rainfall is expected to increase this weekend as the monsoon transition begins, although high temperatures will persist, with the department issuing Level One alert for 17 areas and Level Two heatwave warnings for three.

Kuala Lumpur is among the areas under a Level One alert, indicating temperatures of between 35°C and 37°C for at least three consecutive days, alongside parts of Perak, Penang and Kedah.

Baling, Pendang and Pokok Sena in Kedah are under a Level Two alert, with temperatures ranging between 37°C and 40°C as conditions remain severe according to the department’s latest update.

Health Minister Datuk Seri Dr Dzulkefly Ahmad also urged the public to remain vigilant, adding that 15 heat-related cases have been recorded.

“Most importantly, never leave children or anyone else in a vehicle unattended, even for a minute,” he said, noting that a previous case had resulted in the death of a child.

He also advised the public to watch for early signs of heatstroke, including persistent dizziness, extreme thirst and rising body temperature.

 The Sun Malaysia