Health Ministry warns of heatwave risks after child death, urges Malaysians to stay alert and prevent heatstroke
PETALING JAYA: The Health Ministry has issued an urgent warning as an intensifying heatwave has already claimed the life of a child while 15 heat-related cases have been reported this year amid soaring temperatures across the country.
In a post on his Facebook page yesterday, Health Minister Datuk Seri Dr Dzulkefly Ahmad said the current extreme temperatures demand greater vigilance.
He urged Malaysians to recognise early signs of heatstroke, including persistent dizziness, intense thirst and a rising body temperature, before conditions worsen.
Dzulkefly advised people to move to shaded areas, drink plenty of water and cool down the body to avoid heatstroke.
He said children should not be left inside vehicles even for a short period as such negligence could have fatal consequences.
The Malaysian Meteorological Department reported that Padang Terap in Kedah has been currently issued a Level 2 warning (heatwave), with temperatures ranging between 37°C and 40°C.
Fourteen areas in Peninsular Malaysia have been placed under Level 1 (alert), including the whole of Perlis, several districts in Kedah and parts of Penang, Perak, Pahang and Negeri Sembilan.
MetMalaysia defines a heatwave as sustained temperatures of between 37°C and 40°C for at least three consecutive days.
