THE Malaysian Meteorological Department (MetMalaysia) has issued a level one heatwave alert status for four areas on the peninsula.

The four areas are Bentong, Temerloh, Kuantan in Pahang and Kuala Krai in Kelantan.

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

If the temperature is recorded between 37C and 40C for three consecutive days, the area is then under a Level 2 heatwave, and if the temperature exceeds 40C for the same number days, it is then categorised as Level 3 extreme heatwave.

The alert level refers to a daily maximum temperature of 35-37C for at least three consecutive days.

The latest information on the daily hot weather is available on the MetMalaysia website. 

Last month, the Health Ministry urged the public to be on alert for heat-related illnesses amid the ongoing heatwave in some parts of the country.

Health director-general Dr Muhammad Radzi Abu Hassan said the ministry has recorded five such cases so far including one death, up to April.

“Prolonged exposure to hot weather and lack of drinking water can be detrimental to health, especially for high-risk groups such as children, the elderly, and those with chronic diseases.

“Symptoms of diseases caused by extreme heat include headache, exhaustion, inability to concentrate, dizziness, muscle fatigue or cramps and nausea.

“In extreme cases, it may lead to dehydration, confusion, loss of consciousness or coma,” he was quoted saying in a statement last month.

Radzi said the five cases detected so far include two cases of heat cramps and one case of heat exhaustion in Sarawak. 

The remaining two cases were recorded in Kelantan – one case of heat exhaustion, and one case of heatstroke leading to death. – June 3, 2023.