Heatwave hits four states in five days

KUALA LUMPUR: Six locations in peninsula Malaysia experienced heatwave for five days in a row with authorities advising the public to take precautionary measures.

Minister in the Prime Minister's Department Datuk Seri Shahidan Kassim (pic) said that the dry and hot weather was mostly felt in Perlis, Kedah, Pahang and Perak.

"Chuping, Alor Setar, Lubok Merbau, Batu Embun, Temerloh and Ipoh experienced the heatwave and recorded above average temperatures for five days in a row," Shahidan said in a media statement issued Tuesday.

He noted that average temperatures for the areas were usually 35 degree Celcius but hit 37 degree Celcius during the heatwave.

"The hot and dry spell happens during the end of the easterly monsoon which occurs during the transition to the westerly monsoon beginning in mid May," he said.

He advised members of the public to reduce outdoor activities and keep hydrated to avoid suffering from fatigue or heat stroke.

"The respective state governments are also advised to step up enforcement to monitor open burning activities by irresponsible parties," he added.

He added that the state governments were also advised to open more tube wells for both agriculture and domestic use.

Shahidan said the Government will consider cloud seeding to alleviate the dry and hot conditions if necessary.