KUALA NERUS, March 9 — The Health Ministry recorded 15 cases of heat-related illness nationwide since the first week of this year until yesterday.
Its minister Datuk Seri Dr Dzulkefly Ahmad said four of the cases were heatstroke, while another 11 were linked to heat exhaustion.
There were seven cases each reported in Perak and Kedah, while one case was recorded in Sabah.
“The cases involve individuals aged 17 to 50 as well as members of uniformed bodies as they are exposed to hot weather during training and so on.
“Fourteen patients have fully recovered and have been discharged from the ward, while another patient who was previously being treated in the Intensive Care Unit (at the Sultanah Maliha Hospital in Langkawi) has been transferred to the general ward and is now in stable condition,” he said.
Dr Dzulkefly was speaking to the press after officiating the Terengganu Wellness Hub on the Seberang Takir Health Clinic’s grounds today.
At present, cases of heat-related illness in Malaysia are under control, and the minister advised the public to take precautions during the current hot weather, especially ahead of the Ramadan fasting month.
“Plan outdoor activities during the month of Ramadan. Avoid being outdoors during the peak heat periods between 11am and 4pm. Wear appropriate clothing and keep an eye on those in high-risk groups, including children and the elderly,” he said.
Meanwhile, 33 wellness hubs have been established nationwide to provide various healthcare and wellness services to local communities.
Dr Dzulkefly said the Wellness Hub in Terengganu, which began operations on February 24, offers a comprehensive range of 13 healthcare and wellness services, including health factor screening, weight management, and smoking cessation services.
— Bernama
