PUTRAJAYA — A total of 15 heat-related cases have been reported so far this year, including three cases of heatstroke and one death involving a child left in a vehicle, said Health Minister Datuk Seri Dr Dzulkefly Ahmad.
People must be more vigilant in the current extreme heat by recognising early signs of heatstroke such as prolonged dizziness, unusual thirst and a rising body temperature, he said in a post on Facebook.
“If these signs appear, take immediate preventive measures by seeking shade, drinking plenty of plain water, and cooling the body promptly.”
He also urged the public not to leave children or anyone else unattended in vehicles, even for a minute.
Infants and children, the elderly, chronic patients and individuals active in hot weather are among the groups at higher risk of heatstroke, he added.
A heatwave is defined as daily maximum temperatures between 37 and 40 degrees Celsius for at least three consecutive days.
MetMalaysia today reported Level One or alert level heat (between 35 and 37 degrees Celsius for three consecutive days) in 14 areas in Peninsular Malaysia, including the whole of Perlis as well as Baling, Sik, Pendang, Pokok Sena, Kubang Pasu, Pulau Langkawi, Kuala Muda and Bandar Baharu in Kedah.
The same warning has also been issued for the Northeast District in Penang, Hulu Perak and Kuala Kangsar (Perak), Jerantut (Pahang) and Rembau (Negeri Sembilan).
For the latest daily hot weather status, the public can refer to https://www.met.gov.my/iklim/status-cuaca-panas/. – March 23, 2026