KUALA LUMPUR – Natural Resources and Environmental Sustainability Minister, Nik Nazmi Nik Ahmad, has urged the public to take precautionary measures in response to the ongoing heatwave, as Kelantan experiences scorching temperatures reaching as high as 40°C.
With the concerning mercury levels affecting four areas of Kelantan, Nik Nazmi said the nation is bracing for the impact of phase two of the heatwave, with daily maximum temperatures exceeding 37°C to 40°C for at least three consecutive days.
“The current weather condition in the country is expected to be influenced by the southwest monsoon phase this month,” Nik Nazmi said in a statement.
“During the southwest monsoon period, typically from mid-May to September, thunderstorm occurrences and heavy rains are anticipated to decrease, leading to more rainless days in most states.”
He said the strong El Niño phenomenon peaked in December last year, affecting the country’s weather conditions and resulting in heatwaves and dry spells in various areas nationwide.
He said this year has already witnessed two heatstroke-related deaths involving a 22-year-old man in Pahang in February and a three-year-old child in Kelantan last month.
In light of these conditions, the public is advised to stay vigilant and remain aware of weather conditions and air quality through the myCuaca and MyIPU applications, the official MetMalaysia website, and the Air Pollutant Index Management System (Apims) portal.
All parties are also urged to refrain from open burning activities such as burning rubbish, dry leaves, or garden waste.
Any cases of open burning or fires should be reported to the Fire and Rescue Department hotline at 999 and the Environment Department hotline at 1-800-88-2727 or via email at [email protected], or through the complaint portal at https://[email protected], or by calling 03-8871 2333.
Nik Nazmi said in February that he had chaired the National Committee on Haze and Dry Weather (JIJCKK) meeting to discuss the country’s preparedness for hot and dry weather conditions, as well as measures to prevent open burning and haze.
“I have called for the second JIJCKK meeting of the year to be held as soon as possible to discuss the current hot and dry weather situation and to coordinate relevant strategies with all ministries, departments, and agencies involved,” he added. – May 8, 2024