SHAH ALAM, 23 Feb: The public are urged to take precautions in facing the equinox phenomenon that is expected to his this country starting next week.
State Exco, Dr Daroyah Alwi, said that the hot weather is capable of putting physical stress on the human body, including causing death due to heat stroke.
“Lack of water in the body due to the hot season is most dangerous because the changes in the sodium and mineral content in the body can lead to heat stroke.
“The public are advised to increase water intake and limit outdoor activities that directly exposes you to hot weather,” she told Selangor Kini.
The equinox phenomenon is extreme hot weather that is expected to start next week until early April due to the position of the sun that is directly above the equator.
This hot weather phenomena leads to an increase in temperature between one to two degrees Celsius.
The temperature in Malaysia currently is around 33 to 35 degrees Celsius.
Elaborating, Daroyah said that everyone has the potential of becoming a victim, but there are groups that are more at risk of being affected by the climate change.
“In addition to normal people that are exposed to physical activity outdoors, the elderly, children and patients with high blood pressure, diabetes and kidney problems are among the high-risk groups,” she said.
Daroyah also urged all schools in Selangor to take this climate change into account by limiting student activities in areas exposed to heat.
“It is hoped that schools will be more concerned about students. Hold weekly assemblies at covered areas. Do not place them under heat.
“The same goes for physical education. Choose sports that are not exposed to the heat,” she said.
Towards the mid-March school holidays, Daroyah also urged parents to plan vacations and children’s activities during the school holidays to prevent them from the threat of hot weather.
NS
