Mask up, use umbrellas, says health minister on haze

Health Minister Dr Zaliha Mustafa has advised the public to mask up and use umbrellas and hats to avoid direct exposure to the heat and haze.

She said they also need to limit strenuous physical activity and the time spent outside, in a statement following the country's heat spell.

"Drink a lot of plain water even when not thirsty, at least eight glasses a day and take frequent baths to keep cool. Avoid wearing thick, tight and dark-coloured fabrics," she said, adding that people should seek immediate treatment if they are unwell.

Zaliha also asked the public to keep their windows closed and opt for the air recirculation mode when in their vehicles.

Natural Resources, Environment and Climate Change minister Nik Nazmi Nik Ahmad said the haze is expected to be more severe this year when plantation and industrial activities return to normal operations.

Based on the monitoring of the weather status by the Meteorological Department yesterday, there are several areas reported to be at Level 1 (yellow) heatwave alert and no areas are reported to be at Level 2 (orange) heatwave alert.