2 deaths among 45 heatstroke cases reported this year, says health DG

Health director-general Dr Radzi Abu Hassan advised people to take necessary precautions against the heatwave including staying hydrated and avoiding strenuous outdoor activities. (Bernama pic)

PETALING JAYA: There have been 45 cases of heatstroke, including two deaths, reported so far this year, says health director-general Dr Radzi Abu Hassan.

He said most of the cases involved those who suffered from heat exhaustion.

According to Radzi, Perak and Kedah recorded the highest number of cases with eight each, followed by Selangor with six, while Johor and Negeri Sembilan had five cases, respectively.

He added that the two deaths due to heatstroke involved a 22-year-old man in Pahang and a 3-year-old boy in Kelantan.

“As of now, there are four cases under treatment in the hospital. One of the patients is warded in the intensive care unit, while the rest are in the normal ward,” Radzi said in a statement today.

The ministry also advised the public to take necessary precautions against the heatwave including staying hydrated and avoiding strenuous outdoor activities.

On April 11, the meteorological department (MetMalaysia) issued heatwave warnings for 14 areas in the country, particularly in Perlis, Kedah, Kelantan, Sarawak and Sabah.

According to MetMalaysia, a heatwave is when temperatures of 35°C or higher is recorded for at least three days in a row.

In the peninsula, the affected areas are Langkawi, Pendang, Kuala Muda, Kubang Pasu, Pokok Sena, Sik, Baling and Bandar Baharu in Kedah; Gua Musang in Kelantan; and the whole of Perlis.

Higher temperatures are also expected in Mukah and Telang Usan in Sarawak as well as Tuaran and Tenom in Sabah.