SHAH ALAM, Aug 21 — Thirteen heat-related illness cases were recorded in the state from January 1 to August 19 this year, said the Selangor Health Department (JKNS).
They comprise eight heat exhaustion cases, three exertional heat stroke cases, and two heat cramps cases
It said that no deaths related to heat illness were reported during the period, but the figure was a slight increase from the same period last year, when 12 cases were recorded, all involving heat exhaustion.
“Although the overall increase is small and there is no sustained upward trend based on the weekly distribution of cases, three cases of heat stroke were reported this year when compared with no cases in 2025,” JKNS told Media Selangor.
It added that cases were recorded only during Epidemiological Weeks (ME) 9, 30, 32, and 33, with the latest involving eight Malaysia Games (SUKMA) Selangor 2026 athletes.
During the biennial national multi-sport event, none of the eight athletes suffered heat stroke, with six experiencing heat exhaustion and two suffering heat cramps.
"The cases involved four athletics athletes, two tennis players, and one each from futsal and beach volleyball.
"One athletics athlete was admitted to Hospital Sultan Idris Shah, Serdang, for further treatment and was in stable condition, while the other seven received treatment without requiring hospital admission," JKNS said.
Temperatures at the affected locations ranged from 26.2°C to 34.5°C, as it noted that heat-related illness can occur even when conditions are not classified as a heatwave, particularly during high-intensity or prolonged physical activity.
"Risk factors include exposure to hot environments and sunlight, humidity, hydration status, heat acclimatisation, sports clothing or equipment, and an individual's health condition," it said.
Prevention measures
JKNS advised organisers to avoid scheduling high-intensity events between 11am and 4pm, monitor weather warnings from the Malaysian Meteorological Department, and use Wet Bulb Globe Temperature (WBGT) readings to determine whether events should be postponed, shortened, or cancelled.
It also recommended that organisers should provide cooling and medical facilities, including ice, cold drinking water, misting fans, air coolers, or air-conditioning, as well as ice bath tubs for sports involving intense or prolonged activity.
"Coaches should ensure athletes undergo gradual heat acclimatisation for seven to 14 days, provide additional rest in shaded areas and monitor hydration.
"Athletes should consume sufficient water and electrolytes, wear light-coloured, loose and breathable sportswear, and immediately report symptoms such as nausea, blurred vision, or if they stop sweating despite hot conditions,” JKNS said.
The department underscored that it had also submitted a letter on Monday (August 17) to the SUKMA XXII and Para SUKMA Selangor 2026 Secretariat on haze and preparedness measures for hot weather.
