20/02/2026

FRIDAY | FEB 20, 2026

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‘Stay hydrated, eat balanced sahur meals during Ramadan’

Warning not to touch jellyfish washed ashore

KUALA NERUS: The public has been advised not to touch jellyfish washed up on several beaches across Terengganu. Universiti Malaysia Terengganu Faculty of Science and Marine Environment senior lecturer Dr Rosmawati Md Amin said although the marine creatures are stranded and separated from their colonies, the species known as the Portuguese man-of-war possesses thousands of stinging cells on its tentacles that remain active. She said the assumption that the jellyfish are harmless once dead and washed ashore is incorrect. “Although they may look like unmoving blue plastic, their stinging cells are still active and can release toxins upon contact. “A sting can cause intense pain and other symptoms such as dizziness, body aches and respiratory distress. In certain cases, the sting can trigger severe allergic reactions, and victims must be rushed to a hospital immediately.” Rosmawati advised the public to wear shoes or sandals when walking along beaches. She said the species, also known as ubur ubur api (fire jellyfish), is commonly found washed up on East Coast beaches, particularly in Terengganu, during the Northeast Monsoon season due to wind and ocean currents. “The use of vinegar to alleviate the pain of a sting remains a subject of debate and is only suitable for certain species. However, warm water is among the recommended treatments for soothing or reducing pain. “Fishermen or individuals engaged in fishing activities must also be cautious when handling jellyfish caught in their nets.” Over the past few days, the presence of the venomous jellyfish has been detected at several popular tourist locations, including Pantai Pandak in Cendering and Pantai Paka in Dungun. The marine hydrozoan is easily identified by its translucent bluish colour and a gas-filled float on top, with sizes typically ranging from 2cm to 10cm. – Bernama ‘Higher taxes on tobacco effective to stem smoking’ KUALA LUMPUR: Increasing tobacco excise duties is among the most effective measures to curb the smoking habit, alongside comprehensive enforcement to ensure that the “Endgame 2045” goal of reducing the use of smoking products can be achieved, said the Malaysian Council for Tobacco Control. Its president Prof Dr Murallitharan Munisamy said tax increases were among the most effective public health policy instruments to reduce smoking, particularly among the youth and low-income groups who are more price-sensitive. “However, to ensure price hikes are truly effective and not manipulated by the illicit market, comprehensive and coordinated enforcement must be the primary foundation of implementation,” he said. He added that the fiscal measure was in line with Malaysia’s commitment to the World Health Organisation Framework Convention on Tobacco Control, which was inked on Sept 23, 2003 and ratified on Sept 16, 2005. He said taxes on tobacco products had not been raised since 2015 and therefore, a review of the fiscal policy is urgently required to achieve the “smoking product endgame” target by 2045. – Bernama

on glucose from regular meals to adjusting to longer periods without food. “Think of the body like a car that normally runs on petrol (glucose). When Ramadan begins, the petrol tank runs low and the engine switches to a secondary fuel source (stored fat). “The car continues running but the engine may feel slightly less smooth during the switch. Hence, the first few days are simply the body adjusting to a different fuel system.” Barakatun said there is no formal medical diagnosis called “Ramadan shock”, but the symptoms people experience, including headaches, fatigue and irritability, are real. “For healthy individuals, this is a normal adaptation process. However, those living with conditions such as diabetes should consult a doctor to adjust medications as needed. “Some common sahur mistakes can trigger headaches and fatigue later in the day, including skipping sahur , drinking mostly sweet beverages, consuming too much coffee or eating very salty or processed foods, all of which increase dehydration risk and destabilise energy levels.” She said most healthy adults experience adjustment symptoms for two to three days, stabilise by day five to seven and adapt fully by

the second week, with many reporting better energy once their bodies adjust. Universiti Teknologi Mara nutritionist Dr Azizah Othman said high-carb sahur meals such as white rice, white bread or sugary foods could cause mid-day energy crashes. “These foods digest quickly, causing a rapid rise in blood sugar followed by a drop later in the morning. “Choosing protein-rich foods like eggs, chicken or fish along with fibre, healthy fats and options like brown or parboiled rice, helps to slow digestion, stabilise blood sugar and keep energy levels steady.” Azizah said caffeine withdrawal could also trigger headaches during the first days of fasting as it normally constricts blood vessels in the brain. She said when intake is suddenly reduced, blood vessels dilate, which could lead to temporary headaches. “Symptoms typically begin 12 to 24 hours after your last cup of coffee, peak between 20 and 50 hours and for most people, the mental fog clears within two to nine days.” Azizah advised against totally stopping consumption of caffeinated drinks suddenly but to reduce them gradually.

o First few days of fasting may trigger metabolic transition as body shifts from regular meals to longer periods without food: Expert

Ű BY QIRANA NABILLA MOHD RASHIDI newsdesk@thesundaily.com

PETALING JAYA: Malaysian Muslims may experience “Ramadan shock” in the first few days of the fasting month, said Universiti Putra Malaysia Sultan Abdul Aziz Shah Hospital dietitian Assoc Prof Dr Barakatun Nisak Mohd Yusof. She urged those fasting to stay hydrated, eat balanced sahur meals and limit their coffee intake to help ease headaches and low energy levels. She added that the first 24 to 72 hours of fasting may trigger a normal metabolic transition as the body shifts from relying mainly

A Manjoi resident

reorganising his belongings after cleaning up his flood-hit home. – BERNAMAPIC

Assistance for flood-affected residents

IPOH: The Perak government, via the Ipoh City Council, has mobilised a comprehensive operation to assist flood impacted residents in Manjoi and surrounding areas. State Housing and Local Government Committee chairman Sandrea S.C. Ng said the council is always on alert for any disaster and takes immediate action to ensure the safety and welfare of affected residents. “Early measures implemented include road closures in affected areas, cleanup operations, removal of fallen trees, clearing of branches and debris blocking public routes and disaster waste management. “It also conducted inspections in flash flood prone areas, including roads, drains and

Haji Megat Khas, UK Raya, Stadium Perak and Taman Star. “Disaster management is coordinated by the Land and District Office through the District Disaster Management Committee, with the council acting as a committee member and carrying out its responsibilities as a local authority. “The operation also involves collaboration with multiple agencies, including the Fire and Rescue Department, Civil Defence Force, Department of Irrigation and Drainage and the Public Works Department.” Ng said the state government would monitor the situation and ensure that follow-up measures are implemented. – Bernama

drainage systems under its supervision as well as removed road obstructions such as detached zinc sheets and other objects that blocked public access.” She said in a statement that the operation involves more than 70 council personnel and field teams, supported by logistics assets, including open lorries, four-wheel-drive vehicles, backhoes and bulldozers. Ng said affected locations include the Jalan Perpaduan and Sungai Rokam area, Jalan Istana near the SUK building, Villa Perpaduan (behind Petron Bercham Raya), Laluan Niaga Simee 1, Lebuh Sungai Senam, and several other areas, including Pakatan Jaya, Taman Bintang, Gerbang Meru Indah, Jalan Simee 5, Jalan Datuk