The Malaysian Meteorological Department (MetMalaysia) issued a Level 1 hot weather alert for 17 areas across Peninsular Malaysia, Sabah, and Sarawak on August 25. [1, 2, 3, 4] Eleven of the affected areas are in Peninsular Malaysia, including Larut and Matang, Kuala Kangsar, Kampar, and Batang Padang in Perak; Kuala Krai in Kelantan; Kuantan, Raub, Temerloh, and Pekan in Pahang; as well as Hulu Selangor and Gombak in Selangor. [1, 2, 3, 4] Five areas in Sabah under the alert are Telupid, Tenom, Sandakan, Pitas, and Beluran, while Marudi is the only area in Sarawak affected. [1, 2, 3, 4]
The Level 1 hot weather alert is issued when maximum daily temperatures reach between 35 and 37 degrees Celsius for at least three consecutive days. [1, 2, 3, 4] MetMalaysia advises the public to visit its official website for daily updates on the hot weather status nationwide. [1, 3, 4]
Simultaneously, Malaysia is experiencing serious air pollution in Sarawak and Klang Valley. Thirty monitoring stations nationwide recorded "unhealthy" Air Pollutant Index (API) levels on the same day. [5] Sarawak's IPD Serian station recorded the highest API reading at 180. Multiple stations in Klang Valley reported unhealthy API levels ranging from 151 to 162. [5]
The haze and poor air quality are linked to transboundary smoke, dry weather intensified by El Niño, and local peat and forest fires. The Ministry of Natural Resources and Environmental Sustainability attributed the haze to prolonged dry spells, below-average rainfall, and extensive open burning both domestically and across borders. [5]
Authorities have advised the public to minimize outdoor exposure, especially vulnerable groups such as children, elderly, pregnant women, and those with cardiac or respiratory conditions. [5]
The hot weather alert remains in effect for the listed areas as temperatures continue to meet the criteria, with further updates expected from MetMalaysia.
