KOTA BARU: The Kelantan Health Department has advised the public to take extra precautions during the region’s ongoing heatwave, which is expected to last another two to three months.
State health director Dr Zaini Hussin said outdoor activities should be limited, especially for those who are at risk, such as senior citizens, children and people suffering from diseases.
"They also need to take enough water to prevent dehydration.
"In addition, we advise schools to review the need to conduct outdoor activities that expose students to the hot weather for too long," he added.
According to Zaini, his department has been monitoring the hot weather since it first started, and has so far not received any reports of cases of heatstroke.
He was speaking to the media at the department's 'Fun Ride' Fitness Programme 2019 at the Kota Baru Poly-Tech Mara College (KPTM) compound here, today.
Also present was Kota Baru KPTM deputy director Che Museh Awang.
Some 700 participants from Kelantan and Terengganu, and members of the state cycling association took part in the programme, which saw participants cover a distance of 35 kilometres.
Zaini said the symptoms of heatstroke include fever, headache, nausea and seizure.
"But these can be overcome by taking precautionary measures.
"If (you) are outdoors, make sure to bring an umbrella along to protect (yourself) from the heat and harsh sun effects," he added.
On another development, Zaini said the rise in non-communicable diseases in the country, such as diabetes, hypertension and heart problems, needs to be dealt with by all levels of society.
"Hence, the state Health Department will continue to promote healthy physical activities to organisations and society to prevent diseases caused by sedentary lifestyles.
"We also always encourage government organisations to organise health programmes for inculcating healthy lifestyle practices," he said.