Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi.
KOTA BARU: The Cabinet needs to discuss whether there is a need to extend the school holidays due to the excessive heat the country is experiencing now, says the Deputy Prime Minister.
Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi said the National Disaster Management Committee secretariat had already met and implemented coordinated efforts with various related ministries and agencies.
Currently, the country is facing excessive heatwave, especially in northern parts of the country and Kelantan that had resulted in one confirmed death of a child.
“I think it (school holiday extension) should be discussed at the Cabinet meeting.
“As chairman of the national disaster committee, we have coordinated efforts with state governments, the Health Ministry and local authorities, not only to monitor but to help those suffering from heatstroke due to climate change,” he told reporters at the Pontian Umno Aidilfitri Open House in Benut here yesterday.
In a statement, Health Director-General Datuk Dr Muhammad Radzi Abu Hassan said early investigations identified heat stroke with severe dehydration as the cause of death of the 11-year-old boy in Kelantan.
Meanwhile, in another case involving a 19-month-old child, the cause of death was identified as severe dehydration with underlying sepsis and not heat stroke.
Dr Muhammad Radzi said as at April 28, five cases of heat related illnesses have been reported.
“Three of the cases were reported in Sarawak, comprising two heat spasm cases and one heat exhaustion case. Two more cases were reported in Kelantan, one of heat exhaustion and another heat stroke case which led to death,” he said in a statement yesterday.
Dr Muhammad Radzi said prolonged exposure to heat and lack of water intake could be a health hazard, especially for high risk groups such as children, senior citizens and those with chronic diseases.
“The symptoms of heat induced illnesses include headache, fatigue, being unable to concentrate, dizziness, muscle weakness or spasm and nausea,” he said, adding that in serious cases, a person might also suffer from delirium, dehydration, become unconsciousness or go into a coma.
Kelantan Health director Datuk Dr Zaini Hussin said children aged below five, adults above 40, those with respiratory diseases, high blood pressure, heart disease, diabetes and thyroid have to be careful in the current hot spell.
“The risk increases if they wear thick and tight clothing that trap heat and prevent evaporation of sweat,” he said, advising people in the state to limit outdoor activities during the current hot weather.
“Instead, people should stay indoors, take frequent rest, shower or use the fan to cool off. They should wear light, light-coloured and loose clothes.
“Avoid drinks containing caffeine, alcohol, or with high sugar content, or sitting in a closed car.”
