V. Shankar Ganesh and Rozanna Latiff New Straits Times 11 May 11;
KUALA LUMPUR: The current heat wave and dry weather enveloping many parts of the country is expected to continue at least until September.
The Malaysian Meteorological Department forecasting director Saw Bun Liong said the nation was experiencing a combination of weather factors that had led to the current hot weather.
He said the annual southwest monsoon usually caused hot and dry weather but the arrival of tropical storm Aere in the Philippines and the low pressure system in the Indian Ocean were contributing to higher temperatures.
Although the heat wave may continue, Saw said the worst might be over as Aere was now moving north.
Temperatures this month reached a high of 36.2ºC last Friday, recorded in Subang while the temperature here reached 36ºC yesterday.
The hottest day in the nation was recorded on May 18, 1998, when temperatures reached 38.9ºC in Chuping, Perlis and 38ºC in Malacca.
“We will still see lower levels of rain and more dry spells in the months ahead due to the southwest monsoon season which is expected to last until September,” he told the New Straits Times yesterday.
During this season, northern peninsular states, Sabah and parts of Sarawak are expected to see lower rainfall in the next two months.
In June, Limbang and Miri are expected to see between 20 and 40 per cent below average rainfall, while slightly below average rainfall is also expected in Labuan, West Coast and the interior divisions in Sabah.
Normal rainfall is expected to resume in all states in September.
Deputy director-general of health Dr Lokman Hakim Sulaiman said the hot weather could cause serious problems like heat stroke, which can be fatal.
He said people most at risk were those above 40 years old as they were 10 times more at risk than younger people.
He added that children below five years were also at greater risk, as with those suffering from breathing and heart problems, high blood pressure, diabetes and thyroid problems.
Dr Lokman also discouraged wearing tight and thick clothing as it prevented heat from escaping through evaporation .
He said people should be on the lookout for heat exhaustion symptoms like headaches, lethargy, poor concentration, dizziness, cramps and nausea.
“It’s serious as the heat can cause dehydration, confusion and coma.” He advised people to drink plenty of water, including isotonic drinks, stay indoors, limit outdoor activities, have frequent rests, bathe or use fans to cool down, use light, loose and bright clothing and to use hats or umbrellas outdoors.
Dr Lokman also advised against consuming sweet drinks and also those with caffeine and alcohol.
He also cautioned parents on leaving children in cars with closed windows and exercising in hot weather.
Those with severe heat exhaustion should also seek immediate medical treatment at the nearest clinic or hospital.
Hot spell likely to ease next week
The Star 11 May 11;
THE rising temperature now is caused by reduced air humidity and rainfall in the region caused by tropical storm Aere in northern Philippines that blew hot air to the country, said Malaysian Meteorological Department (Met) weather forecasting director Saw Bun Liong.
Saw told Bernama that the current hot spell in the peninsula was only temporary and likely to ease next week.
He said the hot spell was, however, normal in May and the temperatures recorded were lower than during the same period in 1998.
The country has beem experiencing warm weather since May 6. The highest temperature recorded throughout the country since May 6 is 36.2°C.
The department will continue to monitor the situation continuously round the clock and will alert the National Security Council if any action needs to be taken.
Saw advised the public to avoid open burning, reduce outdoor activities and drink a lot of water.
According to information posted on the department’s website, Malaysia is now experiencing inter-monsoon season which will last until the end of the month..
During this period the west coast of Peninsular Malaysia, Sarawak and Sabah will occasionally experience thunderstorms and heavy rain in the afternoon and fair weather over the eastern states of the peninsula.
Subsequently, the South-West Monsoon is expected from June to September. The South-West Mon-soon is comparatively drier throughout the country and this is attributed to relatively stable atmospheric condition due to less intense convective development.
It was also stated that the current La Nina condition is expected to continue weakening in the coming months and the weather will be back to normal by June.
The hot spell has resulted in more people staying indoors and drinking more water and switching on the air-conditioners.
Electrical product retailers like Courts and Harvey Norman confirmed that they had recorded an increase in sale of air-conditioners in recent weeks.
Consumers are spoilt for choice as the retailers are running promotions by air-conditioner brands like Panasonic, York, Mitsubishi and LG.
A spokesman from the Seri Andalas Fire and Rescue Department in Klang said they had received instructions to monitor the Kampung Johan Setia area, which is prone to peat fires during a drought and farmers conducting open burning of jungle waste.
“We have yet to receive any complaints about fires in the area.
“But the department has recorded fewer forest fires this year compared with previous years because we have taken early preventive measures and carry out regular monitoring,” he said.
At press time, Puncak Niaga Holdings Bhd could not be contacted for comments on the water level at the dams in Sungai Langat, Klang Gates and Tasik Subang.
