With the current hazy, hot weather, health experts tell Malaysians to stay hydrated

PETALING JAYA - Malaysians have to

brace themselves for increasing haze and heat

that could pose major health risks, say health experts.

The experts warned that besides discomfort, the current hot and dry weather conditions can cause heat stroke, as well as respiratory problems such as asthma.

Public health expert Zainal Ariffin Omar urged the public to take care of themselves by staying hydrated, avoiding outdoor activities in extreme heat and wearing appropriate clothing.

“It is vital to prioritise health and well-being during extreme weather conditions and the necessary precautions should be taken to stay safe,” he said.

“Use umbrellas or wear hats while outdoors to avoid exposure to direct sunlight. To beat the heat, people can drink more water and fruit juice, and eat more fruit.

“It is also important to be aware of physical changes, particularly for those at high risk of heat stroke and exhaustion. Although there aren’t many cases of heat stroke in Malaysia, the public should be cautious.”

As at 4pm on Sunday, the air quality in several districts in Kelantan, Johor and the capital city of Kuala Lumpur was at an unhealthy level, according to Air Pollutant Index (API) readings.

The API reading in Segamat, Johor, was 152 while Cheras in Kuala Lumpur recorded a reading of 106. Readings in Kota Baru and Tanah Merah in Kelantan were at 107 and 104 respectively.

An API of between 101 and 200 indicates unhealthy air quality.

Natural Resources, Environment and Climate Change Minister Nik Nazmi Nik Ahmad said on Saturday that the nation is bracing itself for the return of the haze due to the recent hot and dry conditions.

Dr Zainal said that as Covid-19 cases are also on the rise, clinics should be mindful that some symptoms of the virus infection could be similar to those of heat stroke.

“Doctors must exercise caution when patients seek advice,” he said.

Malaysian Chinese Medical Association president Heng Aik Teng reminded people to avoid keeping their air-conditioning at the lowest temperature to allow their body to slowly adapt to the outdoor heat.

He also suggested that people drink more water and herbal tea to relieve the heat, adding that many had fallen ill due to changes in the weather.

“If people feel dizzy, stuffy and sweaty, it could be a sign of heat stroke. They should seek medical attention immediately,” he advised.

Ms Andrea Lim, 30, from Cheras, said she noticed the sky was quite hazy on Saturday and decided to put on her mask outdoors.

She said the weather had been extremely hot and stuffy over the past few days.

“I had to install an additional air cooler because I simply couldn’t sleep at night,” she added.

Ms Kyra Carvalho, 19, from the upscale Kuala Lumpur suburb of Bangsar, said she noticed the hazy condition in the city centre on Sunday evening.

“There was also a smoky smell in the air,” said the university student, adding that many of her friends also noticed the change in air quality over the past few days.

“Even with the air-conditioning on at full blast, it still feels warm,” she said, adding that most of her friends spend their time indoors now.

Alliance for Safe Community founder and chairman Lee Lam Thye urged the relevant enforcement agencies to take immediate steps against open burning to stop the haze from getting worse.

He said swift action must be taken to prevent the situation from becoming a health hazard.

“Enforcement cannot solely be the responsibility of the Environment Ministry. It must be a concerted effort by several agencies, including local councils such as City Hall, which has its own health and environment officers,” he added.

Tan Sri Lee said there must be an immediate response from enforcement agencies should open burning be detected, and asked the Plantation and Commodities Ministry to help the agricultural sector move away from such activity as a means to clear land. THE STAR/ASIA NEWS NETWORK