Searing Penang heat fuels business boom

Komtar, Penang’s iconic landmark, obscured by the haze in George Town. — Photos: LIM BENG TATT, CHAN BOON KAI and ZHAFARAN NASIB/ The Star

Scorching days are driving thirsty crowds in search of coconut drinks and herbal brews in Penang.

At a shop selling coconut drinks along Jalan Datuk Keramat in George Town, civil servant Muhammad Sabri Mohd Salibu, 26, was seen buying coconut shakes for himself and a few colleagues.

“We do stop here for fresh coconut water or a shake on regular days, but with the heatwave, cool drinks are a must,” he said.

Housewife Natasha Chew, 32, said drinking coconut water had become a necessity during daylight hours.

“I am used to Penang’s usual heat, but these days there are no clouds in the sky and I am dehydrated all the time.

“I try to drink more water, but it seems the only way to cool down is with cold coconut water.

“I take it home and chill it in the fridge for a bit.

“It makes a huge difference,” said Chew.

Halimah Munthe, 23, using a portable fan to keep cool while taking a wefie with her mother and sister, with Penang Bridge in the background.

Dry spell demand

It was earlier reported that the southwest monsoon, expected to last until September, has brought hot, dry and possibly hazy conditions to the island and mainland Penang.

M. Joel Jeyachandran, who runs a shop selling fresh coconut along Jalan Datuk Keramat in George Town, said business had been booming the past few weeks.

“People have been seeking out coconut water and coconut shakes to quench their thirst.

“Business started picking up a few weeks ago.

“The hot weather has led more people to buy cooling drinks.

“We can sell 400 to 500 coconuts a day compared to normal times of around 300,” he said, adding that most of his customers were locals.

Joel said this was a yearly trend, with his business picking up during the dry season and slowing down during the rainy spell.

Cheong Hai Seng, owner of a Chinese herbal shop along Jalan Perak, said business had picked up as many people seemed to fall ill when it was too hot.

Nur Mohamad Abdul Jalil, 19, seen underneath Penang Bridge trying to get some shade while catching shrimps for fishing bait.

“The body becomes ‘heaty’, and many come to my shop either with a cough, fever or are feeling under the weather.

“I offer them mixtures of different herbs that can be boiled into a soothing concoction.

“There are various types based on the symptoms they present.”

He said the usual problem was people feeling heaty, but “if it’s serious, I advise them to visit a clinic and see a medical professional”.

Cheong, a third-generation practitioner in Chinese herbs, has a wide range of products.

During the dry season, char or chap liang, a mixed herb concoction, is popular.

“It contains around 10 different types of herbs and makes up to three litres of herbal tea when boiled,” said Cheong.

“It is great for large families, but they can also boil it in smaller portions.

“All they need to do is add a bit of brown or rock sugar.”

With the durian season in full swing, many also seek herbs to help them cool down, he said.

“They consider herbal drinks a complement to durian, as it counters the heat from the fruit.

“This is when business picks up for me, compared to cooler months like December,” he said.

UV risk alert

Universiti Sains Malaysia atmospheric physicist Assoc Prof Dr Yusri Yusup said the weather reflected typical conditions for the middle of the year, with the sun directly over the equator.

“As Malaysia is located near the equator, the weather is within the range we expect during this period.

“The atmospheric temperature has increased from 28°C to 30°C this past week.

“In urban areas, it is hotter due to the urban heat island (UHI) effect, a phenomenon where urban areas experience higher temperatures than surrounding rural areas,” he said.

He noted that cool mornings still occurred, but the drop in temperature would not persist.

“The heat is expected to last until the end of the month or until the transitional monsoon begins. Then we will see more rain,” he added.

Yusri urged the public to steer clear of direct sunlight between noon and 3pm, as this was when ultraviolet (UV) radiation would be at its peak.

He said a UV index above eight was considered exceedingly high, posing significant risk to human health.

“Unprotected exposure to such levels of UV radiation can cause immediate and long-term damage to skin, eyes and the immune system.

“Prolonged exposure can significantly increase the risk of skin cancers such as melanoma and squamous cell carcinoma – two of the most serious consequences of cumulative sun damage.

“UV radiation also accelerates premature skin ageing by breaking down collagen, resulting in wrinkles, sunspots and loss of skin elasticity.

“The eyes are not spared either – sustained exposure can contribute to cataracts and macular degeneration, both of which may lead to long-term vision impairment or loss,” Yusri cautioned.

He added that short-term overexposure to UV radiation could cause sunburn, eye irritation and temporary vision problems.

Universiti Sains Malaysia (USM) family medicine specialist Dr Mastura Mohd Sopian said prolonged exposure to high UV levels could increase the risk of skin cancer, eye damage and heat-related illnesses, especially among children, the elderly and outdoor workers.

She advised the public to wear long-sleeved clothing, wide-brimmed hats and UV-blocking sunglasses.

She also recommends applying sunscreen with a sun protection factor (SPF) of 30 or higher at least 15 minutes before going outdoors, and reapplying it every two hours to protect the skin.

“Avoid outdoor activities if possible during this time,” Dr Mastura said, stressing that UV rays caused lasting damage, even on cloudy days.

“It is important to stay in the shade, particularly during long periods of outdoor activity.

“Always remember to stay hydrated to reduce the risk of heat exhaustion or dehydration.”

USM public health specialist Dr Rohayu Ami said outdoor workers were at risk of harmful effects from UV radiation, including skin cancer, eye damage and premature ageing.

“Those working outdoors must always find time to take breaks by seeking shade under trees or using umbrellas, tents or shelters, especially during peak UV hours.

“Monitor the UV index daily by following local weather updates and UV forecasts,” she added.

Penang health committee chairman Daniel Gooi Zi Sen said the public should reduce outdoor activities, especially avoid exercising when it is hot outside.

“If you really have to be outdoors, wear comfortable or light-coloured clothing.

“The public should also apply sunscreen whenever they are outdoors, and stay well-hydrated to help lower body temperature,” he said.

No open burning

Penang Fire and Rescue Department director Mohamad Shoki Hamzah said open burning during the hot and dry season could cause fires to spread quickly, endangering lives and causing property damage.

“The public should avoid any form of open burning, especially in farms and gardens used for agricultural purposes, as well as the burning of waste,” he said.

“Illegal burning can result in legal action.

“At campsites, extinguish fires completely before leaving.”

He said burning activities carried out at cemeteries must be closely monitored.

“Those in charge must ensure that burning is carried out safely and remains under control.

“It requires continuous supervision or monitoring.

“They must be cautious of surrounding conditions, especially windy weather, which can cause fires to spread rapidly,” he said.

Mohamad Shoki also advised hikers to be mindful of their health.

“Carry enough water and drink throughout your hike to avoid dehydration.

“Wear light, loose and light-coloured clothing to help regulate your body temperature.

“Use a hat and sunscreen to protect yourself from the scorching sun.

“If you feel dizzy, nauseous or tired, stop immediately and drink water.

Seek medical attention if signs of dehydration persist,” he said.

Mohamad Shoki said it was advisable to hike with others so that help was available during an emergency.

“If you are hiking alone, inform someone of your location and expected duration.

“It is also recommended to carry a first aid kit or any necessary medication during the hike,” he said.