Experts: Measures come too late amid extreme heat, haze
PETALING JAYA: Malaysia should prepare for extreme heat and haze episodes before conditions deteriorate, rather than rely solely on reactive measures, say experts.
They warned that hotter days, drier rivers and hazier skies could become more than seasonal inconveniences, with risks extending to public health, water and energy security.
Universiti Malaya meteorologist Prof Datuk Dr Azizan Abu Samah said preparedness should focus on three key concerns – open burning and pollution, urban heat and climate change, and transboundary haze.
“Even without transboundary haze, background air pollution in the Klang Valley is around 20 to 30 microgrammes per cubic metre.
“Traffic pollution and open burning should be tackled through greater use of public transport and stricter prevention measures.”
Azizan said the urban heat island effect could cause temperatures in heavily built-up areas to be 1°C to 2°C higher than average, making green spaces and trees important for cooling cities.
“Authorities should consider whether existing thresholds remain adequate, rather than wait for temperatures to reach extreme levels before acting.”
He also called for stronger regional cooperation to tackle transboundary haze, including greater enforcement of the Asean Agreement on Transboundary Haze Pollution.
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Association of Water and Energy Research Malaysia president S. Piarapakaran said heat episodes were slowly but surely becoming water and energy security issues.
“Higher heat waves, hotter dry seasons and lowering base flow in rivers are real concerns that must be addressed.
“A normal dry season causing water dams to dry up fast also highlights concerns whether we have sufficient raw water based on worst-case scenario design criteria,” he said.
“Sufficient water also ensures that we are able to handle peat fire incidents.
“At the same time, reforestation are important to maintain the cooling effect.”
Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia public health specialist Prof Dr Sharifa Ezat Wan Puteh warned that heat becomes dangerous when temperatures range between 32°C and 40°C, particularly under high humidity.
“Heat stress is a leading cause of weather-related deaths and can worsen underlying illnesses, including cardiovascular disease, diabetes, mental health and respiratory conditions,” said Dr Sharifa.
She said prolonged heat could also impair concentration, increasing the risk of accidents, while potentially contributing to the spread of infectious diseases.
“High humidity is particularly concerning as it reduces the body’s ability to cool itself through sweating, potentially leading to heat exhaustion and, in severe cases, fatal heatstroke.”
