Cover Temperatures are predicted to exceed 35 degrees Celsius in most places across Peninsula Malaysia and Sabah this month due to the equinox phenomenon in Malaysia (Photo: Unsplash)
Temperatures are predicted to exceed 35 degrees Celsius in most places across Peninsula Malaysia and Sabah this month due to the equinox phenomenon in Malaysia (Photo: Unsplash)
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The Malaysian Meteorological Department announced the equinox phenomenon which will cause temperatures to exceed 35 degrees Celsius in most places across Peninsula Malaysia and Sabah for the next week
According to The Malaysian Meteorological Department (MET Malaysia), an equinox is a phenomenon that occurs twice a year, around March 20 and September 22, when the sun is directly above the Equator. The equinox is associated with increased temperatures and hot weather, with many states across Malaysia issuing high-temperature notices cautioning everyone to take measures to prevent cases of heatstroke and other severe conditions potentially resulting from hot spells that are expected to take place till April.
Medical experts suggest various measures to help Malaysians beat the heat, from staying hydrated during the day to avoiding the outdoors altogether from the hours of 11am to 4pm during the equinox phenomenon in Malaysia. Here, we look at the steps we can all take to safeguard our health during the hot season.
Stay hydrated
Above Drink water throughout the day to prevent dehydration during the equinox phenomenon in Malaysia (Photo: Getty Images)
Drink water throughout the day to prevent dehydration during the equinox phenomenon in Malaysia (Photo: Getty Images)
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During the holy month of Ramadan, it is imperative to drink plenty of fluids (at least two litres of water a day) from iftar to sahur throughout the night, according to Negeri Sembilan Health Department director Datuk Dr Harlina Abdul Rashid.
“Intake of high caffeine and sugary drinks should be reduced, and it is recommended to consume more high-water-content fruits like watermelon during iftar,” she said in an interview with Bernama last week, cautioning against prolonged exposure to the sun.
As a precaution, keep yourself hydrated regularly, not only when you’re thirsty. Drinking plenty of fluids will help the body sweat and maintain a normal temperature despite the heat.
Cover up
Above As much as possible, stay indoors during the the equinox phenomenon in Malaysia to avoid the risk of heat stroke (Photo: Unsplash)
As much as possible, stay indoors during the the equinox phenomenon in Malaysia to avoid the risk of heat stroke (Photo: Unsplash)
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In an interview with The New Straits Times, Kelantan State Health director Datuk Dr Zaini Hussin said: “The public is advised to stay indoors, take frequent rests, to shower or use the fan to cool the body and to wear light, light-coloured and loose clothes.”
He added that children under five years old, adults aged 40 years and above, and anyone with respiratory diseases, high blood pressure, heart disease, diabetes, and thyroid problems are advised to be extra careful to avoid the risk of heat stroke.
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Be vigilant of risks
Keep yourself prepared and be sure to get weather and health updates from official sources, like MET Malaysia’s MyCuaca App.
Learning to identify the warning signs of heat stroke can be crucial in preventing worse health problems associated with heat spells. According to an article by Gleneagles Hospital, symptoms like muscle cramps, headaches, nausea, vomiting, dizziness, profuse sweating, and a rapid or weak pulse may indicate heat exhaustion. If not dealt with properly, this can lead to heatstroke, where the body temperature hits 40 degrees Celcius or higher, potentially leading to losing consciousness, dizziness and vomiting, among others.
Reducing your time outdoors and, therefore, limiting your direct exposure to hot weather can go a long way in protecting your health this hot season. When going out for exercise, try to plan it during the coolest hours of the day to beat the heat from the equinox phenomenon in Malaysia.
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Previously contributing to Esquire Malaysia, Expat Lifestyle and Newsweek, Tania oversees digital stories across Tatler’s key content pillars, also leading the Front & Female platform exploring issues and topics affecting women today.
