People are advised to use face masks, umbrellas and hats to avoid direct exposure to hot weather and haze, said Health Minister Dr Zaliha Mustafa.
She said they also need to limit strenuous physical activity because it can increase the risk of illness due to hot weather and haze.
“Limit the time you spend outside the building to avoid exposure to hot weather and haze,” he said in a follow-up statement following the state of the country hit by hot weather that affects the air quality and ambient temperature in several areas.
Minister of Natural Resources, Environment and Climate Change Nik Nazmi Nik Ahmad reportedly said the haze is expected to be more serious this year than in the past three years when plantation and industrial activities return to normal operations.
Based on the monitoring of the hot weather status by the Meteorological Department (MetMalaysia) yesterday, there are several areas reported to be at Warning Level 1 (be alert) and no areas are reported to be at Warning Level 2 (heat wave).
Dr Zaliha also asked the public to close the windows to reduce haze particles entering the house or building.
“Avoid activities that can increase air pollution in the house or building by not smoking and always cleaning the indoor environment,” she said.
She said another preventive measure to reduce the impact on health following hot weather and haze is the use of air conditioning by choosing the operation (mode) of the internal air cycle while driving a vehicle.
“Drink a lot of plain water even if you don’t feel thirsty at least eight glasses a day. This is to maintain the body’s hydration level which plays a role in regulating body temperature.
“Take a bath often to cool down the body. Avoid wearing thick, tight and dark-colored clothes to help the process of losing heat from the body,” she said, adding that people should seek immediate treatment at the nearest health facility if they feel unwell.
