Hot weather up north may trigger heatstroke

PETALING JAYA: Malaysians in the northern states are experiencing a hot and dry spell, with some worried that they may fall ill right before Chinese New Year.

Soo Tek Wei, a salesperson from Kedah, said although it was expected that there would be hot weather at the start of the year, he was worried about being sick during the festivities.

“The weather during the first two months are usually hot. It signals the coming of Chinese New Year.

“Sometimes I have to look for a shelter or try to avoid hot hours in the afternoon when I am working, ” Soo said.

Ng Yong Sing, from Perlis, said there was a risk of getting a heatstroke if temperatures were high.

The hot weather, he said, could also take a toll on the environment, as padi fields could dry up.

“I have steered clear of outdoor activities. The sun is scorching but the occasional wind makes it slightly better, ” said the 27-year-old PhD student in material engineering.

Housewife Kok Siew Mei from Penang, however, said the hot weather was good news for her.

“Hot days are better than rainy days, especially if you need to attend any open house or have guests coming over, ” she said.

“We will be eating out during Chinese New Year, so if the weather is gloomy or unwelcoming, many plans would have to be called off.”

She is also taking precautions to make sure that she and her family can stay healthy to celebrate Chinese New Year.

“I have prepared Chinese herbal remedies, such as leong cha, for my family to make sure they do not fall sick, ” Kok said.

The Malaysian Meteorological Department said the rainfall in Perlis, Kedah and Langkawi was expected to be under 50mm, which was below average.

“In January 2020, the weather in the east coast region of the peninsula will be drier and hotter, especially in the northern side, including Perlis, Kedah and Langkawi, ” the department said.