According to the report, Medical Practitioners Coalition Association of Malaysia (MPCAM) vice-president Dr Raj Kumar Maharajah said he had seen a 10% increase in heat-related illnesses, such as leg eczema, heat rash and body aches, at his clinic.

Another doctor interviewed said the sudden change in weather could cause dehydration due to the loss of fluid in the body.

Dr Shaiful Ehsan said long exposure to the sun could also cause heat stroke.

He said symptoms of heat stroke are headache, rapid heart rate, shallow breathing and muscle cramps. He advised those experiencing such symptoms to rest so that the body could cool down.

Malaysian Medical Association president Dr Ashok Zachariah Philip recommends staying indoors and protecting one’s skin with long sleeves or sunblock, while Dr C.S. Foo advised Malaysians to drink at least 2.5 litres of water due to the tropical climate.

“But, this may vary between age, gender and body weight of a person,” he said.

It has previously been reported that the current heatwave could also see the temporary closure of schools if it worsens.