KUCHING, April 26: Deputy Minister of Energy and Environmental Sustainability Dr Hazland Abang Hipni is warning the public against the spread of mosquito-borne diseases such as dengue, cholera, and malaria.
He said mosquito vectors tend to survive and mature more quickly in warmer weather conditions as it shortens the incubation period of the virus.
Meanwhile, Dr Hazland said constant increase in temperature can also lead to overheating, which can pose a number of risks to one’s health.
“If the weather is too hot, drink more water to improve hydration and limit your outdoor activities. If you experience symptoms of heat exhaustion, take steps to prevent it from progressing to heat stroke.
“If you are experiencing dizziness, sweating excessively, cold skin, paleness, vomiting, nausea, fast and weak pulse, or muscle spasms, go to a cooler place, drink plenty of water, take a shower or wipe the body with a cold towel.
“Also, you could dial 911 and try to cool down until help arrives if you experience a throbbing headache, sweating, rise in body temperature, hot, dry and red skin, vomiting, nausea, and fainting spells,” he said in a statement today.
Dr Hazland, who is also Demak Laut assemblyman, pointed out that Malaysia typically experiences a dry season or is less susceptible to rainfall during the Southwest Monsoon, which occurs between May and September.
He said should the El Nino weather pattern happen, the situation could be worse than usual.
“MetMalaysia (Malaysian Meteorological Department) is currently monitoring the expected dry weather and will notify the public if any new development occurs,” he added. — DayakDaily
