Double whammy as extreme hot weather hits

Beating the heat: A man staying hydrated as the board in the background shows the effective capacity at Ayer Itam dam, Teluk Bahang dam and Mengkuang dam. — LIM BENG TATT/The Star

GEORGE TOWN: Experts say the extreme hot weather conditions expected to last until mid-September can lead to heat-related illnesses.

Universiti Sains Malaysia (USM) family medicine specialist Dr Mastura Mohd Sopian said the public should brace for heat rash, heat cramps, heat exhaustion and heat stroke.

“Heat stroke is the worst and if someone experiences it, he or she must be treated immediately as it can cause death.

“The hot spells could also pose other serious health issues such as migraine, asthma and allergies,” she added.

Dr Mastura advised the public to limit outdoor activities, especially exercising under the heat.

“Put on your ‘comfy’ wear if you really have to be outdoors. Avoid smoking during the hot season.

“Don’t forget to always apply sunscreen whenever you are outside. Most importantly, drink more water as it can reduce body temperature,” she said, adding that frequent hand washing after outdoor activities was also a good practice in curbing Covid-19.

Malaysia is experiencing the south-west monsoon, which results in a hot and dry climate, until mid-September, according to the Malaysian Meteorological Department (MetMalaysia).

During this period, the winds will blow constantly from the south-west with lower air humidity and stable atmospheric conditions that can result in a lack of rainfall.

On Covid-19 cases, USM virologist Dr Kumitaa Theva Das said the dry monsoon season might have minimal effect.

There would normally be a decline in viral infections during hot seasons compared to cold seasons.

“According to global reports, Covid-19 is less prevalent in countries with searing heat and humidity.

“Studies showed that countries closer to the equator have about 33% fewer cases per million inhabitants,” she noted.

Dr Kumitaa, however, said climate was not the only factor that influenced Covid-19 cases because public health measures, vaccination rates and prevalent circulating variants played a big role as well.

Penang environment and welfare committee chairman Phee Boon Poh said several measures have been taken to mitigate the effects of the monsoon season.

“Both city councils have started trimming trees since March this year as part of their risk-reduction planning.

“The state government also instructed all village heads to inspect evacuation centres in preparing for any eventuality,” he said.

During the monsoon season, he said, the state expects windstorms and strong high waves.

“During this period, the sea could be dangerous for small boats.

“Fishermen are advised not to go out to the sea, especially when storms and strong winds are expected.

“There will also be winds coming across the Indian Ocean,” he added.

Phee advised the public not to do open burning as it would worsen the hot spells during the monsoon season.

“Those who do so, especially commercial open burning, will be dealt with accordingly,” he said.

Recently, Penang Water Supply Corporation (PBAPP) chief executive officer Datuk Jaseni Maidinsa was quoted as saying that there was a need to conduct cloud seeding operations as the Ayer Itam dam’s water level had dropped drastically.

He said the water level was still under “alert” status with the capacity of lower than 40% compared to its 89.3% capacity on Jan 1.

As of May 11, the effective capacity for the Ayer Itam dam is 36.6%, Teluk Bahang dam at 62.4% and Mengkuang dam at 91.5%.