Health Ministry reports 73 heat-related illness cases nationwide, with four deaths recorded as of July 7.
PUCHONG: A total of 73 heat-related illness cases have been recorded nationwide from Jan 1 until today, according to Health Ministry’s Disease Control Division Public Health Medicine Specialist Dr Hazlina Yahaya.
Dr Hazlina said 59 cases involved heat exhaustion, six were exertional heat stroke, four were classical heat stroke, while two cases each involved hyperpyrexia (extremely high fever) during the postpartum period and heat cramps.
“The cumulative death toll remains at four cases involving two adult males aged 42 in Penang and 22 in Kedah, as well as two children aged two in Negeri Sembilan and four in Perak,” she said while presenting the Health Ministry’s preparedness and response to hot weather and heatwaves at the Media Engagement Session on Government Preparedness for the 2026 Southwest Monsoon here today.
She added that public healthcare facilities have been fully prepared in terms of manpower, treatment facilities and medical supplies to ensure prompt and effective treatment.
The ministry has also intensified health education activities, advocacy programmes and public information campaigns, particularly for high-risk groups, including the Orang Asli community, she said.
“The ministry is also carrying out advocacy efforts to eliminate mosquito breeding sites and to encourage early treatment for those experiencing symptoms,” Dr Hazlina explained.
She said that the ministry will continue monitoring the situation, strengthen risk communication to the public and enhance the preparedness of the national healthcare system.
Surveillance of heat-related illnesses is being conducted to identify and protect high-risk groups, she added.
