Region braces for a scorching summer in the days ahead
NOW THAT summer has hit Asia, many countries including Thailand and Malaysia are experiencing especially high temperatures. Both countries have taken measures to deal with the consequences of the heat such as drought.
In Thailand, people are being advised to avoid the scorching sun and to stay hydrated in order to avoid heat stroke.
The Bangkok Emergency Medical Service Centre yesterday also offered tips for people to keep their body temperatures low.
“Wear loose, light clothes in light colours,” it said, adding that people should wear wide hats and also apply sunscreen with at least SPF15 protection.
“People with chronic health problems need to be extra careful if heat can affect their condition,” the centre added.
It also advised people with jobs requiring them to work outdoors to try and cut down their exposure to the sun as much as possible.
“Don’t allow anybody to stay inside the car if it is parked under the sun, and don't forget to take children out of the vehicle after parking," it added.
Heat stroke is the result of body temperature rising above 40 degrees Celsius. Symptoms include a throbbing headache, lack of sweat, dizziness, disorientation, rapid and shallow breathing, abnormal heartbeat, seizures, and unconsciousness. Death can occur if the condition is not treated in time.
Meanwhile in Malaysia, Prime Minister Najib Razak said the Education Ministry might decide to close schools if the extreme heat continued.
Temperatures have reached 34C in Petaling Jaya, 36C in Ipoh and Malacca, 37C in Alor Setar and 38C in Perlis in recent days, due to the El Nino phenomenon, state news agency Bernama reported yesterday.
Najib said existing guidelines authorise school heads to cancel outdoor activities if conditions warrant. "The government will take all necessary precautionary measures on the extreme heat,” Najib wrote on his blog.
Schools will restart next week in Kedah, Johor, Kelantan, Terengganu and in other states.
The premier said he was concerned about the dangerous effects of the extreme heat, especially on children and the elderly.
Meanwhile, Education Minister Chong Sin Woon said it was not necessary to extend school holidays because students’ education should not be interrupted. However, he said his ministry would monitor the situation closely.
“We have empowered principals and headmasters to stop outdoor activities to prevent students from being exposed to the sun,” he said.
The Malaysian government will be drawing up an action plan to tackle the hot and dry season.
Najib also urged the public to seek immediate medical treatment in government clinics or hospitals if they experienced symptoms related to hot weather such as headaches, rapid heartbeat, rashes, cramps or body pains.
He also urged the public to take precautions against fires especially in playgrounds near housing estates, farms, undergrowth and forests.
Malaysia is planning to set up a special panel regarding hot and dry weather to provide guidelines for the public to plan daily activities and precautions during the heat wave.
