Temperatures throughout Malaysia continue to soar as up to 48 locations have been issued with heatwave alerts.
According to the Malaysian Meteorological Department (MetMalaysia), six areas in the peninsula had Level 2 heatwave alerts while the remaining areas were issued Level 1 alerts.
MetMalaysia identifies a Level 1 heatwave status as having a daily maximum temperature of between 35°C and 37°C. A level 2 heatwave on the other hand is between 37°C and 40°C, for three consecutive days.
The areas which have received Level 2 alerts include Perlis, Padang Terap and Baling in Kedah, Hulu Perak in Perak, as well as Jerantut and Maran in Pahang.
Kedah and Pahang had the highest number of Level 1 alerts with eight each.
In Kedah, the areas issued the alerts were Kota Setar, Pendang, Kuala Muda, Kulim, Bandar Baharu, Sik, Pokok Sena and Kubang Pasu.
In Pahang, they were Lipis, Raub, Bentong, Rompin, Bera, Pekan, Temerloh and Kuantan.
Meanwhile, the National Disaster Management Agency (Nadma) said 37 cases of heat-related ailments were recorded as of 3 April.
As the Hari Raya celebrations begin, it is recommended that people take the necessary precautions to protect themselves against the prevailing heatwave. It is also advisable to stay hydrated as much as possible.
