“Southeast Asian Heatwave Causes Fatalities”

Jakarta –

A number of countries in Southeast Asia were hit by burning hot weather, including Malaysia. The impact of these conditions, there were dozens of cases of heatstroke that led to fatalities.

The Malaysian Ministry of Health reported a total of 14 cases of heatstroke due to extreme heat, one of whom died. This number is expected to continue to increase until next August.

Even though it has claimed a number of victims, including one fatality, the local government stated that there were no plans to declare the heat wave as an emergency. The condition is considered to be under control.

“Until yesterday there were 14 cases but the situation is still under control and can be accommodated in health facilities nationwide,” Deputy Health Minister Lukaniman Awang Sauni said as quoted by Malay Mail, Tuesday (16/5/2023).

“Ministry and hospital facilities are prepared to receive heatstroke victims and victims of heat cramps,” he continued.

According to Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi, the situation regarding the state of emergency could still change and the government would be ready to issue orders.

“We have taken proactive and preventive measures such as seeding clouds to deal with heat waves. For now, we don’t think it is necessary to declare a state of emergency,” he said, quoted from The Star, Wednesday (17/5).

“But if necessary, we will issue Directive 20 of the National Security Council for emergencies,” said Ahmad Zahid further after chairing the meeting of the National Disaster Management Committee yesterday.

(vyp/vyp)