The Malaysian Meteorological Department (MetMalaysia) has issued a yellow-level heatwave warning for 10 areas in Peninsular Malaysia, with temperatures reaching up to 37 degrees Celsius!

According to data, the 10 places are Kuala Kangsar, Kinta, Batang Padang and Hilir Perak districts in Perak; Jeli, Kuala Krai and Gua Musang districts in Kelantan; Tampin district in Negeri Sembilan and Tangkak and Kluang districts in Johor.

The department's director-general Jailan Simon said the hot conditions are due to the country now experiencing the final phase of the North-East Monsoon period, which is expected to last until the middle of this month.The phase sees low rainfall distribution in Peninsular Malaysia, particularly in the northern states.

Here are five quick tips that may help you brave through the heatwave and emerge at the end of it, in one piece.

1) Stay indoors

This may not be a huge challenge since a large part of the country's population is still confined at home due to the COVID-19 pandemic anyway, but try to avoid outside activities as much as possible. Stay indoors in a properly shaded, but well ventilated area. Sit close to an aircond or fan, or spray yourself with water if the heat/sweating becomes unbearable, or better still, take a cold bath or shower. While you are at it, learn to recognise signs of heat-related illness, such as cramps, heavy sweating, exhaustion, dizziness, confusion and more, so that you can seek immediate medical attention when you experience any of the symptoms!

2) Wear light clothing

Thinking of coupling the stylish dark jacket with the shawl, when you finally step out of home? Think again! Wear light breathable clothing when you must step out of home, and for those who can't avoid being outside, it's better to have a spare shirt and deodorant stick in your bag to avoid smelling like a walking bag of sweat at the end of the day.

3) Stay hydrated

Drink up that water, and plenty of them! Experts recommend between six to eight glasses of water on an ordinary day, and on warm weather, the recommended intake goes up to between two and a half litres to three litres a day. As tempting as that can of carbonated drink seems like on a scorching day, it is best to stick to plain old H2O, unless you want your sugar levels to spike up like the mercury in the thermometre too! A little bit of coconut water may help you stay hydrated too.

4) Do not leave children/pets inside your car

This goes without saying. You should not really leave small children or pets in your vehicle for a prolonged period of time on any given day, let alone during a heatwave, as the temperature in confined spaces can rapidly increase under the hot weather, resulting in irreversible heatstroke and often, death. Even if you turn the aircond in your car full blast when you step out, it is still a risky move to leave people/animals who can't fend for themselves in the car, even if it is for a short time.

5) Check on your neighbours/friends

Face it - not everyone have the luxury to invest in aircond, or an air cooler. There may be lesser privileged or elderly neighbours, relatives or friends who may be finding it hard to cope with the scorching hot weather. Check in one them to see if they have the means to stay cool and hydrated, and if they don't, do what you can to help them brave the predicament.

These are just some quick tips that we can offer to stay safe during this heatwave. Hope they have been beneficial to you. Do you have any extra tips to share? Tell us in the comments section.


Source: theconversation.com, Malay Mail, thefreshtoast.com
Photo source: Astro Awani