25/03/2026

WEDNESDAY | MAR 25, 2026

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Heatwave expected to persist until June

Ministry staff fined for smoking at eatery PUTRAJAYA: The Health Ministry has confirmed that the individuals seen smoking at an eatery in Rawang, as depicted in a widely spread video clip, are civil servants working at the Gombak District Health Office. It said compounds have been imposed on the individuals under Section 16(2) (No. 4: Smoking at eating places) of the Control of Smoking Products for Public Health Act 2024. “Internal disciplinary action will also be taken in line with the Public Officers (Conduct and Discipline) Regulations to ensure the integrity of the public service is always maintained.” Earlier, a post was widely spread on X depicting individuals serving with the ministry smoking at a restaurant in Rawang. The ministry, which takes a serious view of such matters, said food premises are among the 28 no-smoking areas gazetted to safeguard public wellbeing. As the leading agency in public health, the ministry will not compromise with any personnel who fail to comply with the stipulated law, and is committed to carrying out enforcement firmly, fairly and consistently to protect the public from exposure to cigarette smoke. “The Health Ministry emphasises that the smoking ban under the Act is comprehensive and applies to all individuals without exception, including civil servants. “The ministry greatly appreciates the public’s concerns and encourages the channelling of information or complaints through official channels to strengthen enforcement to protect public health.” Health Minister Datuk Seri Dr Dzulkefly Ahmad has thanked the individual who reported the incident. He said no one is above the law, including ministry staff themselves, who should be role models to the community. “I have been instructed to take stern action immediately. Those involved have been issued compounds and will face disciplinary action.” He urged the public to help report similar incidents through official channels, including X account @KKMPutrajaya. – Bernama IC of culprit misusing fuel subsidy blocked KUALA LUMPUR: The Finance Ministry will block the MyKad of individuals found to have abused the Budi Madani RON95 (Budi95) assistance programme by filling subsidised RON95 petrol into empty barrels or containers. It said such action clearly violates regulations because it constitutes misuse of fuel subsidies under the Budi95 initiative and could affect the government’s efforts to ensure transparent, targeted and effective subsidy management. It stressed that the government will not compromise on any form of subsidy leakages and misuse, especially amid current uncertainties that require close control over fuel supply and prices. Earlier, a video clip was widely spread depicting two individuals at a petrol station filling subsidised RON95 petrol into a container placed in the boot of a vehicle. “Investigations found that (one of the) individuals involved is a MyKad holder. The ministry will take action by blocking the IC used during that transaction, as well as the vehicle owner, from continuing to enjoy Budi95.” The ministry said enforcement actions will continue to be intensified to curb such irresponsible activities, adding that the government appreciates the efforts of the public in channelling complaints regarding this matter. Individuals are encouraged to continue providing information and lodging complaints if they detect suspicious activities related to subsidy distribution by contacting the Budi Madani Service Centre at 1300-88-9595, via WhatsApp at +603-26314595 or by email at budimadani@treasury.gov.my. – Bernama

PETALING JAYA: Malaysia is expected to experience prolonged hot and dry conditions until June, with health experts adding that vulnerable groups face heightened risks as temperatures rise. Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia public health specialist Prof Dr Sharifa Ezat Wan Puteh said certain groups are particularly susceptible to heat-related illnesses, including the elderly, pregnant women, children, outdoor workers and individuals with underlying medical conditions. She said simple preventive measures could significantly reduce the risk of hyperthermia, such as staying in shaded areas, drinking water frequently, limiting physical exertion, reducing outdoor exposure and wearing light, breathable clothing. “The normal human body temperature typically ranges between 36.5°C and 37.5°C, but once it rises beyond 40°C, the condition becomes severe and can be life-threatening,” she said. She stressed the need for schools to suspend outdoor activities during extreme heat spells as children are particularly o Public advised to stay in shade, drink water often, limit physical exertion, reduce outdoor exposure Ű BY KIRTINEE RAMESH newsdesk@thesundaily.com

@dark moon reported critically low water levels and interrupted piped water supply to several villages in Wallace Bay, Pulau Sebatik. Other users highlighted the everyday challenges of living with extreme heat. @norbi said: “In this hot weather, I get tired quickly and feel dizzy.” @lipas remarked: “Even after showering, I am still sweating as if in a sauna.” Some noted the environmental causes of urban heat. @N A B i L said green spaces help cool areas but urban areas without trees are hotter. @DZ4S SCARF added that trees removed from city areas are rarely replaced. – BY KIRTINEE RAMESH the end of the northeast monsoon, driven by reduced cloud cover and the sun’s position directly over the region. “Based on our monitoring, the hot weather that began in February will continue until the start of the southwest monsoon in June.” He noted that temperatures are expected to peak between mid-March and mid-April, reaching as high as 38°C, particularly in the northern states of Peninsular Malaysia due to their proximity to the Indochina region. Rainfall is expected to increase this weekend as the monsoon transition begins, although high temperatures will persist, with the department issuing Level One alert for 17 areas and Level Two heatwave warnings for three. Kuala Lumpur is among the areas under a Level One alert, indicating temperatures of between 35°C and 37°C for at least three consecutive days, alongside parts of Perak, Penang and Kedah. Baling, Pendang and Pokok Sena in Kedah are under a Level Two alert, with temperatures ranging between 37°C and 40°C as conditions remain severe according to the department’s latest update. Health Minister Datuk Seri Dr Dzulkefly Ahmad also urged the public to remain vigilant, adding that 15 heat-related cases have been recorded. “Most importantly, never leave children or anyone else in a vehicle unattended, even for a minute,” he said, noting that a previous case had resulted in the death of a child. He also advised the public to watch for early signs of heatstroke, including persistent dizziness, extreme thirst and rising body temperature.

vulnerable to dehydration and heatstroke. She advised the public to remain well hydrated, avoid direct sunlight, wear protective gear such as hats and stay in ventilated or air-conditioned environments whenever possible. Caffeinated and alcoholic beverages should be avoided as they may contribute to dehydration, she added. “For parents with young children, it is important to monitor those with existing fevers as their elevated body temperature may be due to infection rather than external heat and require appropriate medical treatment.” Sharifa explained that early exposure to excessive heat may cause sweating, flushed skin and increased body temperature as blood vessels dilate. However, prolonged exposure could lead to heat exhaustion, characterised by heavy sweating, weakness, dizziness, rapid pulse, reduced urine output and nausea. “If body temperature continues to rise beyond 40°C, it may progress to heatstroke, which is a medical emergency. “Symptoms include confusion, agitation, dry skin, loss of consciousness and even organ failure, which can be fatal.” She added that extended periods of high temperatures could have broader impacts, including worsening air quality due to haze, reduced crop yields affecting food security, and a possible rise in infectious and vector-borne diseases. According to media reports, Meteorological Department director-general Mohd Hisham Mohd Anip said the current heatwave is a typical phenomenon towards

Netizens share experiences of current hot spell PETALING JAYA: As Malaysia continues to endure a prolonged heatwave, residents across the country are sharing their experiences and raising concerns about the soaring temperatures on social media. an interior temperature of 60°C, prompting Capable_Bank4151 to explain the lethal risk, noting that proteins in living organisms begin to denature at that temperature.

On TikTok, users offered practical advice and voiced concerns for children and communities affected by the heat. @anneandrew7 urged schools to pause outdoor sports and ensure students stay hydrated while @missy evie stressed that student safety should take priority as prolonged exposure to the sun increases the risk of heatstroke. Residents in Sabah shared their difficulties coping with water shortages due to the ongoing drought.

Reddit user jonshlim described a sharp temperature rise from the jungle of Gerik to Penang, noting that 26°C at midnight jumped to 30°C upon arrival. In Pahang, khairul619 said: “Raub is scorching. Every night feels lethargic because of the heat.” pontmarius said: “Please do not leave your child or pet in the car unattended during such hot weather.” notaknifeguy shared that his car recorded

JOYOUS REUNION ... Residents of the Sepang Reintegration Centre meeting their family members in conjunction with the Aidilfitri celebration at the centre yesterday. – BERNAMAPIC