Heatwave melts outdoor plans, folk staying indoors

ALOR SETAR: The start of each year is typically hot and dry in Kedah, but this year, with the El Nino weather phenomenon raising the mercury, Kedahans are staying at home and avoiding going outdoors.

Zakaria Hanafiah said he does not go out now unless necessary.

“I only leave home to run errands. It does rain once in a while, but it is not enough to bring down the temperature.

“It is obvious that this year is hotter than last year,” he said.

Zakaria, who runs a massage parlour here, said the number of clients has also reduced due to the weather.

“Fewer people are coming for massages and with puasa starting soon, I expect the number to decline further. I know people look forward to Ramadan bazaars during the fasting month, but I will probably skip them.

“I’ll just stay home and cook my meals,” he said.

Zakaria said he did not expect the temperature to go so high.

“It is usually not this hot, especially in March. However, this year, it is bad,” he said.

Mohd Asrol Tahir, from Sik, said the heat has been getting to him, especially the past few days.

“It has not been raining here in Sik. The moment I walk out, I start sweating. I usually ride my motorcycle, but lately, I have had to use my car.

“My son likes to play in the compound but now he stays inside. The weather is still hot until almost 7pm and then it gets dark, and he cannot go out,” said the electrician.

Mohd Asrol said he was looking forward to the fasting month, but the idea of heading out under the sun to buy food was not appealing.

“I like visiting bazaars, but this time, I will only go if it is cloudy,” he said.

Mohamad Nasir Muhamad Zin, who runs a lake resort in Sik, said that the little rain did nothing to reduce the heat.

“My business is good when the sun is up, as people want to head out to fish, but then again, it is not good when it is too hot.

“Lately, the weather has been quite sunny; some rain would be good for us.

“I know the Ramadan bazaars will be in full swing soon but I only travel from my resort to my home. I will not go anywhere else,” he said.

The Malaysian Meteorological Department said recently that eight places in the peninsula recorded a Level One heatwave for at least three consecutive days, namely the whole of Perlis; Kota Setar, Padang Terap, Sik and Baling in Kedah; Kuala Kangsar and Hulu Perak in Perak as well as Raub in Pahang.