INTERACTIVE: Heat alerts fall but dry spell still bites

By SHYAFIQ DZULKIFLI

PETALING JAYA: Kota Marudu recorded the highest number of heat alerts in the country this year, according to the Malaysian Meteorological Department (MetMalaysia).

The district in Sabah logged a total of nine heat alerts as of Aug 3, followed closely by Limbang in Sarawak (8) and Machang in Kelantan (6).

Nationwide, a total of 121 heat alerts were issued so far this year.

This marks a dramatic drop from the 1,597 alerts recorded during the same period in 2024.

MetMalaysia’s data also showed that Sabah topped the list of states with the highest number of alerts in 2025, recording 35 alerts. 

This was followed by Sarawak with 29 alerts and Kedah with 17.

Last year, Kedah led the heat alert chart with 472 alerts, followed by Kelantan (274) and Pahang (188).

The majority of alerts issued this year were Level 1 at 120 alerts.

Level 1 alert indicates a maximum daily temperature between 35°C and 37°C for at least three consecutive days. 

Only one Level 2 alert was recorded this year which indicates temperature going above 37°C but remaining below 40°C.

In contrast, 2024 saw 1,497 Level 1 alerts and 100 Level 2 alerts.

This year, only seven states have reported heat alerts, a stark contrast to 16 states and federal territories affected last year.

July emerged as the hottest month in 2025, with 78 alerts, followed by August (16) and March (13).

In 2024, April saw the highest number of alerts at 588, followed by March (482) and May (298).

The Star reported on Tuesday (Aug 5) that seven out of the 43 dams in Peninsula Malaysia have reached critical levels, with one at warning level.

Authorities have already begun cloud seeding operations at the Bukit Merah dam in Perak which has seen water levels drop drastically. 

 

 

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