15 heat-related cases, including child’s death, reported as scorching weather continues

2026-03-23 - 03:10

Health minister Dzulkefly Ahmad advised the public to stay hydrated and follow official guidelines to minimise health risks. (Bernama pic) PETALING JAYA: Malaysia has recorded 15 heat-related cases this year, including the death of a child, health minister Dzulkefly Ahmad said. In a Facebook post, he warned that the extreme heat requires the public to stay alert. Dzulkefly also urged the public to watch out for early warning signs of a heat stroke such as persistent dizziness, excessive thirst, and rising body temperature. “If these signs appear, take immediate preventive measures by seeking shade, drinking plenty of water, and cooling the body quickly,” he said. He also stressed that children must never be left unattended in vehicles – not “for even a minute” – and advised the public to stay hydrated and follow official guidelines to minimise health risks. Separately, the Malaysian Meteorological Department (MetMalaysia) reported that two additional areas have been placed under Level One (alert) after recording temperatures of 35°C to 37°C for at least three consecutive days. Padang Terap in Kedah remains under Level Two (heatwave), with daily maximum temperatures ranging from 37°C to 40°C. In a statement this morning, MetMalaysia said the 14 areas in Peninsular Malaysia currently under Level One are the entire state of Perlis; Baling, Sik, Pendang, Pokok Sena, Kubang Pasu, Langkawi, Kuala Muda, and Bandar Baharu in Kedah; the northeast district of Penang; Hulu Perak and Kuala Kangsar in Perak; Jerantut in Pahang; and Rembau in Negeri Sembilan.