Malaysia issues heatwave alert for 18 areas in northern states of Kedah, KL, Penang and Perak
A signage warning the public that open burning is an offence.
PHOTO: AsiaOne/Rauf Khan
PUBLISHED ONMarch 23, 2026 12:28 PMBYSean LerMalaysians are bracing for scorching days ahead with temperatures in three Kedah districts set to reach a high of 40 deg C, while temperatures in 15 other districts could reach a high of 37 deg C.
In a hot weather status update published just before 5pm on Monday (March 23), Malaysia's weatherman said that the districts of Baling, Pendang and Pokok Sena have been placed on Level 2 alert.
An alert of this level means that daily maximum temperatures of between 37 and 40 deg C have been recorded for at least three consecutive days.
Meanwhile, 15 districts in other parts of Kedah, Kuala Lumpur, Penang and Perak have been placed on Level 1 alert, with daily maximum temperatures having reached between 35 and 37 deg C for at least three consecutive days.
| Kedah | Penang | Perak |
| Perlis, Sik, Padang Terap, Kubang Pasu, Pulau Langkawai, Kuala Muda, Kulim, Bandar Bahru | North-east and North | Hulu Perak, Selama, Kinta, Kuala Kangsar |
Malaysia Health Minister Dzulkefly Ahmad said in a Facebook post on Sunday that the current temperatures require people to be more vigilant, including watching out for signs of heatstroke such as prolonged dizziness, unusual thirst and a rising body temperature.
"If the signs appear, take immediate preventive measures by going under shade, drinking plenty of water and cooling the body promptly," Dr Dzulkefly added.
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