GEORGE TOWN, May 3 — The Penang Health Department (JKNPP) has announced that a local man has died from heat stroke, which was reported on Sunday (April 26), after the victim participated in a 30km running event in the city.
The case involving the 42-year-old victim is the first case of heat-related illness recorded in the state for 2026.
"The man participated in a 30km running event in George Town, which started at 6.30am on April 25, and the running route also involved hilly tracks through forest areas around the city. At about 4pm, the victim was reported to have fainted near the finish line.
"The victim was given emergency treatment at the location before being sent to the Penang Hospital's Emergency and Trauma Department in critical condition before being admitted to the Intensive Care Unit," it said in a statement last night.
However, the victim was confirmed dead at 2.08am on Sunday, and the cause of death was heat stroke with complications of rhabdomyolysis and multi-organ failure.
JKNPP advises the public, especially those who engage in outdoor activities or extreme sports, to always be aware of their health and the current weather conditions.
The public can get the latest information on the status of hot weather on the Malaysian Meteorological Department’s website and preventive measures to reduce the health effects of hot weather on the Health Ministry's website.
