KUALA LUMPUR: In a tragic turn of events, a three-year-old child has become the latest victim of heat stroke in Malaysia, according to reports from the National Disaster Management Agency (Nadma).
This unfortunate incident, which occurred on April 1 in Kelantan, marks the second heat-related death in the country, following the death of a 22-year-old individual in Pahang on Feb 2.
The Nadma report highlighted a concerning rise in heat-related illnesses, with a total of 37 cases recorded thus far.
Among these cases, there have been 10 instances of heat stroke, 26 cases of heat exhaustion, and one case of heat cramps.
While some individuals have received treatment and recovered, two cases remain under hospital care, including one heat stroke patient in the Intensive Care Unit.
Breaking down the statistics by state, Perak and Kedah reported the highest number of cases, with eight each, followed by Johor (five), Negeri Sembilan (four), Sabah (four), Selangor (three), Perlis (two), and one case each in Pahang, Penang, and Kelantan.
The water supply situation is also a cause for concern, with six dams across the country showing declining water stocks, three of which are in Kedah: Muda Dam (39.12 percent), Malut Dam (35.70 percent), and Kedah's BS Padang Saga Dam (41.29 percent).
Additionally, the Sembrong Barat Dam in Johor (31.51 pct), Air Hitam Dam in Penang (34.60 pct), and Timah Tasoh Dam in Perlis (56.46 pct) are also at warning levels.
Furthermore, the Irrigation and Drainage Department has issued drought forecast alerts for the Muda River Basin in Kedah and the Kelantan River Basin in Kelantan.
Meanwhile, the Department of Environment has flagged three areas – Kimanis in Sabah, Balok Baru in Kuantan, and Rompin in Pahang – for unhealthy air quality from April 1 until now.
As the nation grapples with rising temperatures and its associated challenges, authorities are urging the public to take precautions to safeguard their health and well-being amid the ongoing heatwave. --BERNAMA