KOTA KINABALU – The Malaysian authorities are urging the public to drink more water, keep cool and cut down on outdoor activities during this hot season.

The Sabah Health Department said a heatwave is a period of time where the temperature exceeds the normal maximum average.

In Malaysia, it is classified as a heatwave when the average daily maximum temperature exceeds 37 deg C for three consecutive days, said the department.

Such conditions usually occur in March and April.

The department said that among other things, the public should use umbrellas or caps when outdoors and drink lots of water.

People are also encouraged to wear light-coloured and thinner clothing and reduce the intake of caffeine or alcohol during this period.

During a heatwave, the risk of haze also increases – especially when open burning is not prevented, said the department, which urged the public to stop open-burning practices.

Those affected by long-term haze could suffer from itchy and painful throats that lead to coughing, runny nose and sneezing, difficulty in breathing, painful and watery eyes, itchy skin and chest pains.

The public is advised to keep tabs on daily weather conditions and live their daily lives according to safety and health guidelines during this spell of hot weather. THE STAR/ASIA NEWS NETWORK