Alerts up in Pahang and Kelantan, API readings also rise in other states
PETALING JAYA: Six districts across the peninsula are experiencing hot weather, with higher temperature readings than usual.
The Malaysian Meteorological Department (MetMalaysia) has issued a Level 1 hot weather alert for the districts of Raub, Temerloh, Maran, Bentong and Rompin in Pahang, and Kuala Krai in Kelantan.
A Level 1 alert is issued when temperatures at a location are between 35°C and 37°C for three consecutive days.
Meanwhile, Kampung Raja Besut in Terengganu recorded an unhealthy Air Pollutant Index (API) reading of 167 at press time yesterday.
API readings between 101 and 200 are considered unhealthy.
Several other areas in the peninsula, such as Seberang Jaya and Seberang Perai in Penang, Taiping in Perak, Banting in Selangor, and Tanah Merah in Kelantan, also recorded API readings nearing the unhealthy threshold.
In a related development, the National Disaster Management Agency reported 112 cases of heat-related illnesses as of July 23.
Of the number, there were 26 cases of heatstroke, 78 cases of heat fatigue, and eight cases of heat cramps.
Kedah had the highest number of reported heat-related ailments, with 19 cases, followed by Terengganu (17), Johor and Pahang (14 each), Perak (11), Negri Sembilan and Selangor (nine each), Sabah (seven), Kelantan and Perlis (four each), Kuala Lumpur (three) and Penang (one).
Cases comprised 86 adults, 21 teenagers, three children, and two senior citizens.
According to MetMalaysia’s drought monitoring report issued on July 11, Malaysia is currently in the southwest monsoon phase, leading to fewer rainy days across most parts of the country.
The southwest monsoon is expected to continue until mid-September.
The report also highlighted that while most parts of the peninsula can expect regular rainfall in August, Perlis, Kedah and northern Perak are forecast to receive below-average rainfall.
Most parts of Sarawak are also forecast to receive average rainfall, with above-average rainfall expected in Sri Aman, Sibu, Bintulu and Kapit.
Sabah and Labuan, meanwhile, are projected to receive average rainfall throughout August.
