KUALA LUMPUR: New guidelines and the standard operating procedure for the heatwave action plan will be modelled after the National Haze Action Plan.
Natural Resources and Environment Minister Datuk Seri Dr Wan Junaidi Tuanku Jaafar said the ministry was moving ahead with the action plan, with agencies, such as the Wildlife and National Parks Department and Marine Department, also involved.
He said the action plan would contain guidelines for government departments, agencies and schools regarding activities that could be affected by the hot weather.
“There will be a committee formed to tackle the heatwave issue, but I cannot disclose further information as it will be discussed in the cabinet tomorrow (today),” he said, adding that the action plan involved the same group of people who had created the National Haze Action Plan.
Wan Junaidi said seven agencies would be included in the action plan, among them being the Department of Environment, Fire Department and police.
Countries that have a National Heat Action Plan include Australia, the United States (for California), Britain and India. In these countries, school ends early if temperatures hit 38ºC.
The Perlis Health Department has issued an advisory to the public to limit outdoor activities and drink plenty of water and isotonic drinks to rehydrate as the temperature soared to 39ºC.
Science, Technology and Innovation Minister Datuk Seri Wilfred Madius Tangau announced that six areas in the country had recorded temperatures that hit or exceeded the heatwave threshold.
They are Chuping in Perlis, Alor Star in Kedah, Ipoh and Lubuk Merbau in Perak, and Batu Embun and Temerloh in Pahang. On Monday, Chuping recorded a reading of 39ºC.
The heatwave indicator is triggered when the highest daily temperature in a certain area reaches 35ºC for five consecutive days.