SHAH ALAM, May 14 — State executive councillor for public health and environment Jamaliah Jamaluddin has advised that outdoor activities be limited amid dry, hot weather throughout the Southwest Monsoon, which is set to start today.
She said the precautions are especially important among vulnerable groups such as senior citizens, children, expectant mothers, and people with chronic diseases.
She added that these groups should stay hydrated, wear light clothing, and limit their outdoor activities to avoid heatstroke.
“They should also get immediate treatment if they experience symptoms like dizziness, fatigue, or shortness of breath,” she told Media Selangor.
Previously, Meteorological Department (MetMalaysia) director-general Mohd Hisham Mohd Anip said the Southwest Monsoon would start today and continue into September.
According to him, in that period, low humidity would lead to reduced cloud formation in most areas.
He said this would cause lower rainfall nationwide, with fewer rainy days than dry ones, as well as a squall line in the western peninsula, northern Sarawak, and western Sabah.
Meanwhile, Jamaliah said the state government, through the Environment Department (DOE) and local authorities, will improve air quality monitoring and open burning prevention throughout the monsoon period.
“DOE, with cooperation from local authorities, was also told to increase patrols and surveys in areas with high open burning risks, such as peatland and landfills, and take strict action including (by issuing) compounds and charging (offenders) in court.
“The public, industry, and farmers are advised to cooperate with environmental conservation efforts by not open burning,” Jamaliah said.
