Met Department and Health Ministry to produce guideline on how to face hot weather

Senior Meteorological office at the National Weather Centre, Dr Mohd Hisham Mohd Anip said his department was now in the process of compiling information to be submitted to the Health Ministry for the purpose.

"The matter is still in the early stage of discussion," he said when contacted by Bernama.

Recently, the World Health Organisation (WHO) and the World Meteorological Organisation (WMO) issued a guideline, 'Heat Waves and Health: Guidance on Warning', to be observed during hot weather.

The guideline was released following the current hot in Europe and high temperature in India and Pakistan which had killed hundreds of people.

Hisham said the current hot weather in Europe was a phenomenon which occurred every year caused by the sun's movement.

"Now the sun is moving to the north. Prior to this, it passed through India and Pakistan and now it has reached Europe.

"It is called the Solstice phenomenon where the sun is at latitude 23.5 degree north. It happens every year, only that this year, it is hotter," he added.

Meanwhile, National Antarctica Research Centre (NARC) director Professor Datuk Dr Azizan Abu Samah said Malaysia already had a guideline on hot weather, but it was not released by the government.

"Various advice have been issued by the relevant authorities for the public to observe during hot weather, like not carrying outdoor activities to avoid heat stroke.