A THREE-year-old child in Kelantan has become the latest victim of the scorching heat in Malaysia, a month after the death of a 22-year-old in Pahang, the National Disaster Management Agency (Nadma) reported.
The latest heatstroke death occurred on April 1.
Thirty-seven cases of heat-related illnesses have been recorded so far: 10 cases of heat stroke, 26 of heat exhaustion and one of cramps. All but two of them have recovered. The two cases remain under hospital care, one of them in the intensive care unit.
Perak and Kedah reported the highest number of cases with eight each, followed by Johor (5), Negri Sembilan (4), Sabah (4), Selangor (3), Perlis (2), and one case each in Pahang, Penang, and Kelantan.
Water supply is also a cause for concern, with six dams across the country showing declining water levels, three of which are in Kedah: Muda Dam (39.12%), Malut Dam (35.7%), and Kedah's BS Padang Saga Dam (41.29%).
The other reservoirs with water that has reached warning levels are the Sembrong Barat Dam in Johor (31.51%), Air Hitam Dam in Penang (34.6%), and Timah Tasoh Dam in Perlis (56.46%).
The Irrigation and Drainage Department has issued drought forecast alerts for the Muda river basin in Kedah and the Kelantan river basin.
Kimanis in Sabah, Balik Baru in Kuantan and Rompin in Pahang have been flagged by the Department of Environment for unhealthy air quality since April 1.
As the nation grapples with rising temperatures and its associated challenges, authorities are urging the public to take precautions to safeguard their health and wellbeing. – April 5, 2024.
