45 cases of heat-related illnesses, two deaths recorded to date

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PUTRAJAYA: A total of 45 cases of heat-related illness have been reported nationwide up to Saturday (April 13), says Health director-general Datuk Dr Muhammad Radzi Abu Hassan.

Of the figure, 33 involved heat exhaustion, 11 cases were heatstroke and one case was heat cramp.

Perak and Kedah had eight cases each while six were reported in Selangor, he said in a statement on Sunday (April 14).

Johor, Negri Sembilan and Pahang recorded five cases each, followed by Sabah with four, Perlis with two, and Penang and Kelantan with one each.

"Cumulatively, two deaths due to heatstroke have been reported. The first death was a 22-year-old man, and the second was a three-year-old boy in Kelantan,” he said.

Dr Muhammad Radzi said four cases were still being treated in hospitals: one heatstroke case in the intensive care unit, as well as two heatstroke cases and one heat exhaustion case in regular wards.

"The others have recovered and have been discharged. The case in the ICU involves a 24-year-old man who was admitted to Hospital Port Dickson on March 10 and transferred to the Hospital Tuanku Jaafar ICU in Seremban on April 5,” he said.

He said the Health Ministry advises the public to remain cautious, ensure adequate hydration and reduce strenuous physical activity as well as outdoor activities during the current hot weather.

He also urged the public to avoid exposure to hot weather and rest more frequently during, opt for visits during cooler times of day or at night, especially when visiting relatives and friends during the festive celebrations.

The ministry is monitoring heat-related illnesses following a warning issued by the Malaysian Meteorological Department (MetMalaysia) on Saturday, Dr Muhammad Radzi said.

Areas under Alert Level 1 with a daily maximum temperature of 35℃ to 37℃ for at least three consecutive days being monitored include Langkawi, Kubang Pasu, Kota Setar, Pendang, Yan, Kuala Muda, Kulim, Bandar Baharu, Baling, Padang Terap, Sik and the North-East District in Penang.

Other areas also include Hulu Perak, Kuala Kangsar and Kinta in Perak; Gua Musang in Kelantan; Raub in Pahang; Limbang in Sarawak; and Tenom, Beaufort and Tuaran in Sabah.

Meanwhile, Pokok Sena in Kedah was recorded at Alert Level 2, which indicates a maximum temperature exceeding 37℃ to 40℃ for at least three consecutive days.

MetMalaysia also expects dry and hot weather with temperatures exceeding 35℃ to persist in most places in the peninsula and Sabah until mid-April. – Bernama