JOHOR BARU: Reduce outdoor activities and stay hydrated as the prolonged hot and dry spell raises the risk of heat-related illnesses, says state health and environment committee chairman Ling Tian Soon.
He said people should drink more water to prevent dehydration.
Ling also advised the public to choose appropriate clothing during the hot weather, particularly when spending time outdoors.
The Johor Department of Environment (DOE) and local authorities throughout the state would continue monitoring open burning activities amid the hot and dry conditions, he said when contacted.
Ling also spoke about the importance of monitoring the situation to prevent open burning from worsening air quality and to reduce the risk of fires spreading during the dry spell.
Respiratory and internal medicine specialist Dr See Yee Yong said prolonged hot weather could cause a wide range of health problems, from mild dehydration and heat exhaustion to potentially fatal heatstroke.
He said that heat exhaustion and heatstroke would have symptoms such as elevated body temperature, fatigue, profuse sweating, nausea and palpitations.
However, Dr See said heatstroke was much more serious as the body’s cooling system would fail, potentially resulting in confusion or an altered level of consciousness.
“Once someone becomes confused or has a reduced level of consciousness, it should be treated as an emergency and the person should be brought to hospital immediately,” he said.
Dr See said that people generally required about 30ml to 35ml of water per kilogramme of body weight daily, although fluid requirements would increase in hotter weather as the body loses water more rapidly.
“Those who sweat heavily should also replace electrolytes and salts lost through sweating, with isotonic drinks potentially helping to replenish them.”
As for people with existing conditions such as hypertension, heart disease, diabetes and respiratory illnesses, he said they should take additional precautions during the hot weather.
Dr See also advised people with outdoor activities, including construction workers, delivery riders and athletes, to take regular breaks from the heat and get adequate rest.
