PUTRAJAYA: A total of 45 heat- related illness cases were reported nationwide until yesterday, involving 33 cases of heat exhaustion, 11 cases of heatstroke and one case of heat cramp.

Health director-general Datuk Dr Muhammad Radzi Abu Hassan said eight cases were reported each in Perak and Kedah, and six in Selangor.

He said there were five cases reported each in Johor, Negri Sembilan and Pahang, four cases in Sabah, two cases in Perlis and one each in Penang and Kelantan.

“Cumulatively, two deaths due to heatstroke were reported.

“The first death was a 22-year-old man and the second was a three-year-old boy in Kelantan,” Dr Muhammad Radzi said in a statement, Bernama reported.

He said there were currently four cases still receiving treatment in hospitals, including one heatstroke case treated in the Intensive Care Unit (ICU) and three cases treated in regular wards consisting of two heatstroke cases and one case of heat exhaustion.

“The other cases have recovered and been discharged.

“The case treated in the ICU involves a 24-year-old man who was admitted to Hospital Port Dickson on March 10 and was transferred to Hospital Tuanku Jaafar ICU in Seremban on April 5,” he said, advising the public to continue to be cautious by ensuring adequate hydration and reducing strenuous physical activity, as well as outdoor activities during the current hot weather.

He also urged the public to avoid exposure to the hot weather and rest more frequently, opt for visits during cooler periods 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 (MET Malaysia) on Saturday, Dr Muhammad Radzi said.

Areas under Alert Level 1 with a daily maximum temperature of 35°C to 37°C 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 in Kedah and the northeast district in Penang.

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

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

METMalaysia also expects dry and hot weather with temperatures exceeding 35°C to persist in most places in the peninsula and Sabah until mid-April.

https://www.thestar.com.my/news/nation/2024/04/15/health-dg-45-cases-of-heat-related-illnesses-recorded