KUANTAN: A male participant in a running event at Teluk Chempedak died yesterday at Tengku Ampuan Afzan Hospital (HTAA) here due to heatstroke.
The victim, in his 20s, had joined the run at 6.40am on Aug 24.
After collapsing, he was rushed to HTAA and treated in the Intensive Care Unit (ICU).
State Health director Datuk Dr Rusdi Abd Rahman said that the victim had been participating in a trail running event at Bukit Pelindung when he was found unconscious by passersby around 3pm.
"Despite receiving optimal treatment, his condition deteriorated, and he died at 9.39pm the same day due to heat stroke and multiple organ failure," he said.
Earlier today, the Pahang Eco Facebook page extended condolences to the victim's family and urged the public to respect their privacy by not sharing images of the deceased.
Dr Rusdi also said that this incident marked the second death due to heatstroke reported in Pahang this year.
The first case involved a Civil Defence Force personnel undergoing training in Bandar Jengka on Feb 2.
To date, Pahang has recorded 18 heat-related illness cases, including 14 instances of heat exhaustion and four cases of heat stroke, resulting in two fatalities.
Dr Rusdi said that, according to the Malaysian Meteorological Department, Pahang's daily temperatures remained within manageable levels, typically ranging from 24 to 33 degrees Celsius during the day of the incident.
He advised the public to take necessary precautions to avoid heat-related complications, especially during outdoor and recreational activities.
Recommended measures include staying hydrated, avoiding excessive caffeine, wearing light-coloured and loose-fitting clothing, using sun protection like hats or umbrellas, and using air conditioning to stay cool.
In March, Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi said the first case of death due to heatstroke involving a 22-year-old man was reported in Maran on Feb 2.