AS THE scorching weather persists by the day, the public has been cautioned to refrain from strenuous outdoor activities that may lead to weariness, dehydration, or other negative physical and mental consequences.
An almost record-setting heatwave has hit the northern region as well as other parts of the country.
The El Nino weather phenomenon has been cited as a major contributor of the hot and dry conditions in the states of Perlis, Kedah, and Penang.
Heavy rainfall is not expected in Penang from now until next month at the earliest.
Among the indicators reported are that temperatures during the evening are likely to reach 35 degrees Celsius, which is a level commonly associated with noon time.
State Public Health Executive Councillor Daniel Gooi Zi Sen noted that the four districts in Peninsular Malaysia most impacted by hot weather in the past week are all in the north.
They are Langkawi and Pokok Sena in Kedah, and Northern Seberang Perai and Central Seberang Perai in Penang.
According to the Meteorological Department (MetMalaysia), the four districts recorded a maximum temperature of 37 degrees Celsius for three consecutive days and have been put on alert.
To cope with such an adverse weather pattern, Gooi urged the local residents to drink enough water to stay hydrated at all times and refrain from tough physical exercises outdoors.
He also called on medical practitioners to advise their patients about the heatwave, while also checking for signs of heat stroke or fatigue which would be more common now.
People are also known to suffer from exhaustion, heat cramps and rashes during this period.
Gooi urged people to conserve tap water, limit their activities under the sun, drink water constantly, use a hat or umbrella to protect from the searing sunlight, wear lightweight attire, and use a fan to stay cool.
He said this after attending an early cancer screening programme jointly organised by the National Cancer Society and the Health Ministry at the Gurney Plaza mall in George Town.
Also present was Bukit Bendera MP Syerleena Abdul Rashid, who urged people to refrain from conducting open burning during this period so as not to worsen the heat.
There is a need for total public cooperation with the authorities so that the community at large can better cope with the sizzling climate, she added.
MetMalaysia had predicted last July that the El Nino would become more intense until early this year.
The El Nino is a naturally occurring climate pattern associated with warming of ocean surface temperatures in the central and eastern tropical Pacific Ocean.
“It occurs on average every two to seven years, and episodes usually last nine to 12 months. In early 2024, the El Nino phenomenon is expected to have a more significant impact when its intensity reaches its peak where the country will experience prolonged hot and dry weather," MetMalaysia had said in an advisory on July 7 last year.
“This can cause an increase in temperature and a reduction in rainfall as well as transboundary haze if the burning of forests and peatlands is not controlled.”
It was also reported that there has been a shortage of coconut water in many retail outlets due to the growing demand to quench thirst on account of the heat. – The Vibes, February 18, 2024
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