02/04/2026

LYFE THURSDAY | APR 2, 2026

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Survival guide to heatwave

o How Malaysians can beat hot weather, create cooler, more comfortable home when temperatures rise

T HE walk from your car to the office door has become a mini endurance test. Your shirt clings to your back before you have even reached the elevator. Welcome to Malaysia’s latest reality show: “Survivor: Malaysia Heatwave Edition” – now playing in every neighbourhood. This is not just your normal uncomfortable weather. According to the Malaysian Meteorological Department, we are locked into the southwest monsoon’s blazing grip, with temperatures hitting 37°C in some areas. Your body is sending you messages – the sudden loss of appetite, the afternoon brain fog, the way sleep feels impossible even with the fan on full blast. These are not just minor inconveniences – they are your internal warning system lighting up. When your body waves a white flag Heat exhaustion does not announce itself with fanfare. It creeps in through dizzy spells during your lunch break, muscle cramps that appear out of nowhere and fatigue that no amount of coffee can fix.

Your body’s cooling system – usually a marvel of biological engineering – starts to falter under relentless heat. For young children, elderly family members and anyone spending hours outdoors, the stakes are higher. When heat exhaustion escalates to heatstroke, the body essentially gives up on cooling itself. The sweating stops entirely. It is a medical emergency disguised as “just really hot weather.” So before the heat takes a toll on your body (or your mood), here are some smart ways to keep your cool. 1. Stay indoors That dizzy feeling when you step outside? That is not dramatic – that is your cue to retreat. Between noon and 4pm, the sun transforms into Malaysia’s most aggressive bully. Even a quick dash to the mamak can feel like crossing a furnace. If you must venture out, think like a vampire – seek shade aggressively, carry portable shade (umbrellas are not just for rain) and treat every air-conditioned space like a sanctuary.

Staying indoors between noon and 4pm helps you avoid the blazing sun. – 123RFPIC

2. Hydration beyond water bottle By the time thirst hits, you are already playing catch-up. Your

are survival equipment. Light colours reflect heat like a shield, while dark fabrics turn you into a walking heat magnet. Do not underestimate accessories: wide-brimmed hats, UV sunglasses and breathable face coverings are not fashion statements – they are your personal climate control system. 5. Turn your home into a cool(er) sanctuary Your house can become an unwitting accomplice to the heat, trapping warmth like a greenhouse. Combat this by playing defense: curtains drawn during peak sun hours, cross ventilation when evening brings relief and strategic cooling tricks like ice bowls near fans. Here is a revelation: avoid cooking during the hottest part of the day. Every appliance that generates heat is working against you. Your stove, oven, even that rice cooker – they are all tiny furnaces heating up your space. Malaysia’s current heatwave is a sustained assault on our normal routines and pretending otherwise is how people end up in emergency rooms. The mercury is not just rising – it is demanding respect. Whether you are commuting through KL’s concrete jungle, working from your increasingly stuffy home office or just trying to sleep through another sweltering night, preparation is the quick route to survival. Smart habits, efficient cooling and a few strategic adjustments can mean the difference between enduring this heat and actually living through it. Because when the temperature refuses to drop, adaptation is essential.

body has been silently losing water through sweat, breath and the simple act of existing in this heat. Even office workers in air conditioned spaces can find themselves surprisingly depleted. Think of hydration as a full spectrum strategy. Yes, keep that water bottle permanently attached to your hand — bonus points if it is filled with crisp, purified water from your water purifier. But also raid the produce section: cucumbers, watermelon and berries are basically edible water bottles. That bowl of clear soup your grandmother insists you to have? She has been ahead of the hydration game all along. 3. Cool economics of staying sane When opening windows becomes a cruel joke and your fan is just pushing hot air around, air conditioning shifts from luxury to necessity. But with units running non-stop, electricity bills can spike faster than the mercury. The smarter move? Invest in efficiency. LG’s AI Air Conditioner takes cooling to the next level with a five-star energy efficiency rating – helping you reduce power consumption while maximising performance. Its built-in (artificial intelligence) AI technology automatically adjusts settings to create the most comfortable indoor environment, no matter how intense the heat gets outside. Plus, with extended warranty coverage and maintenance packages, it is essentially insurance for your sanity when the heat refuses to break. Because the last thing you need during a heatwave is a broken AC and a repair bill. 4. Dress like you mean it Your wardrobe becomes tactical gear in this heat. Loose cotton and linen become your best friends – they are not just comfortable, they

This article is contributed by LG Electronics (M) Sdn Bhd.

As the heatwave persists, staying cool indoors is essential, with proper airflow, hydration and effective cooling helping households remain comfortable.