RESIDENTS IN FOUR PERAK DISTRICTS URGED TO REMAIN VIGILANT AMID LEVEL 1 HEATWAVE

IPOH, March 24 (Bernama) -- Residents in Kinta, Kuala Kangsar, Selama, and Hulu Perak districts are advised to remain vigilant and to immediately restrict outdoor activities, following the Level 1 Alert heatwave recorded by the Malaysian Meteorological Department (MetMalaysia) yesterday.

State Human Resources, Health, Indian Community Affairs and National Integration Committee chairman A. Sivanesan said the situation requires immediate and ongoing precautionary measures to avert serious public health threats, including life-threatening heatstroke.

“Even though it is classified as Level 1, the public must be more sensitive to the effects of the heat, especially if exposed for prolonged periods.

“High-risk groups such as the elderly, children, and those with chronic diseases must exercise heightened caution during this dangerously hot weather, which can rapidly result in heatstroke," he said when contacted by Bernama today.

Yesterday, Health Minister Datuk Seri Dr Dzulkefly Ahmad, in a statement on his official Facebook page, said 15 heat-related cases have been reported so far, including three heatstroke cases and one fatality involving a child left in a vehicle.

MetMalaysia reported that 14 areas in Peninsular Malaysia are currently at Level 1, recording daily maximum temperatures between 37 and 40 degrees Celsius for at least three consecutive days.

In the same development, Sivanesan said, although no cases of heatstroke or heat exhaustion have been reported at any health facilities in the state so far, the Perak State Health Department will continue its monitoring to ensure that preventive measures are taken early to avoid life-threatening situations.

“We will continue to work with the relevant agencies to ensure that weather and health monitoring are conducted continuously. Cooperation from the public is also crucial to ensure the situation does not worsen,” he added.

-- BERNAMA