SIK: The hot and dry weather sweeping across the northern region is posing health risks and disrupting daily routines, especially for small traders operating in open areas.
For herbal trader Jamuel Hamid, 57, the rising temperatures have made business increasingly challenging.
He said the heat over the past few days has been intense, reaching up to 40°C by midday.
“Customers now come early in the morning to buy their essentials. By around 11am, the market becomes quiet as the heat intensifies and people are no longer comfortable staying outdoors.
“With such conditions, it’s not advisable to remain outside for too long. I also pack up earlier as I’m worried about heatstroke,” he told Bernama.
The extreme heat has taken a toll on fresh produce.
Vegetable and traditional herb seller Sabariah Othman, 63, said her goods are wilting faster despite efforts to keep them shaded.
“Vegetables and herbs can easily wilt in this heat. Even in the shade, they dry out quickly.
“The heat this time feels unusually intense – even the sunlight feels painful on the skin,” she said.
For visitors, the situation has been further compounded by a water supply disruption.
Mariam Hamid, 45, said the unexpected water cut added to the discomfort during the Hari Raya celebrations.
“On the second day of Hari Raya, we suddenly had no water and no prior notice.
“It was very difficult, especially with the hot weather.
“Thankfully, the supply was restored at about 5am today (yesterday). If it had continued, I don’t know how we would have managed,” she said.
