SIX areas in the country, Kuala Lumpur, Jeli (Kelantan), Jempol (Negri Sembilan), Betong, Sibu and Marudi in Sarawak, are in the grip of a heatwave, according to the Malaysian Meteorological Department (MetMalaysia).

The department placed the six areas under the Level 1 heatwave alert at 4.15pm yesterday.

A Level 1 heatwave means the area recorded a temperature of between 35C and 37C for three continuous days.

If the temperature for three days in a row is recorded between 37C and 40C, the area is then under a Level 2 heat wave, and if the temperature exceeds 40C for the same number of days, it is then under the Level 3 extreme heatwave category.

Sarawak Deputy Premier Douglas Uggah Embas had said the state’s disaster management committee would meet soon as the state braces for the current hot and dry weather.

Tackling the haze is the top of the agenda, he added.

Uggah, who chairs the committee, said the state had experienced hot and dry weather since last week and that all divisional disaster management committees had been directed to be on alert especially for hotspots that have a potential to worsen air quality.

Earlier today, Health Minister Dr Zaliha Mustafa advised the public living in areas recording unhealthy air quality to stay indoors to avoid the smog and heat.

She said people should wear a mask, hat and use an umbrella to protect themselves from the sun and pollution.

Zaliha reminded people to drink at least eight glasses of water a day to stay hydrated and keep cool.

She also encouraged people to take frequent showers.

“Avoid wearing thick, tight and dark-coloured clothes,” she said, adding that such apparel would trap heat. – April 19, 2023.