According to the Health Ministry, there were 13 cases of heat-related illness reported from the 1st to the 9th Epidemiological Week, with four cases being heatstroke and nine being related to heat exhaustion.
The Health director-general, Datuk Dr Muhammad Radzi Abu Hassan, mentioned that all the cases were a result of outdoor physical activities during hot weather conditions.
One of the heat stroke cases required intensive care unit monitoring, while another case of heat exhaustion received treatment in the general ward at Sultanah Maliha Hospital in Langkawi, Kedah.
Eleven other individuals who experienced heat-related illnesses have received treatment and fully recovered, as stated in a release on Friday.
Perak had the highest number of cases with seven, followed by Kedah with five cases, and Sabah reported one case.
MetMalaysia recently reported a level two heatwave in the Pokok Sena area in Kedah, which means daily maximum temperatures of 37 to 40 degrees Celsius for at least three consecutive days.
Twenty-one areas across the peninsula were recorded to have alert-level hot weather, with Perlis, Pulau Langkawi, and several other regions experiencing the heatwave.
It is important to note that prolonged exposure to hot weather and poor hydration can pose health risks, especially for vulnerable groups like children, the elderly, and individuals with chronic illnesses.
Symptoms of heat-related illnesses include headache, fatigue, dizziness, muscle spasms, and nausea, which can lead to severe conditions like dehydration, confusion, and even coma.
Dr Muhammad Radzi advised the public, especially during Ramadan, to plan outdoor activities outside peak heat periods between 11am and 4pm and consume a minimum of eight glasses of water daily to stay hydrated.
Additionally, reducing the intake of sweetened, caffeinated, and carbonated beverages is recommended, especially for high-risk groups like babies, children, and the elderly, to avoid dehydration.
It is crucial to be mindful of signs of fatigue and dehydration in vulnerable groups and seek medical attention promptly if experiencing symptoms of illness due to hot weather.
