Coping with dry spell in a cool way

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KUCHING: With temperatures soaring across Sarawak, many have been feeling the brunt of the unrelenting heat.

From disrupted routines to concerns for community well-being, the current hot spell has pushed individuals to adapt quickly to protect their health.

While Malaysia is no stranger to warm weather, recent conditions have been described as overwhelming and unpredictable — a reminder of the need for both individual responsibility and collective care during extreme climate events.

Here, several Sarawakians share how they’ve been coping with the heatwave and what advice they have for others navigating this challenging period.


FAIRLYN REMANG, 24
UNIMAS student
I can’t be outdoors due to how scorching hot it is — you can clearly feel how harmful the heat is. I ended up being sick because of it. Staying hydrated is extremely important to avoid heat stroke. At home, we’ve keep activities indoors and make sure everyone applies sunscreen. I also take regular cold showers throughout the day to feel fresh. We try to only do things outside early in the morning or late evening.


JERRY CHIN, 30,
General manager at Responsible Borneo (REBORN)

The heat has been tiring, so I avoid going out during peak hours. I also stay hydrated, use fans, and wear light clothes. At home, I’ve put up thicker curtains and adjust my routines to cooler times. I worry about the elderly and those without cooling — checking on neighbours and sharing water helps. My advice is to drink plenty of water, stay indoors during peak heat, and watch for warning signs like dizziness.


AFZA FATINI MOHAMAD YUSOF, 24
Graduate trainee researcher at Responsible Borneo (REBORN)

The weather has been unpredictable, switching from hot to rainy. To cope, I drink lots of water and sometimes 100 Plus to fight fatigue. Since I’ve been working in the office, I don’t have to use the air-conditioner at home as much. My main concern is avoiding unnecessary outdoor activities — heat strokes are very real. I hope everyone ensures they have water at home and wears light, bright-coloured clothing to reflect heat.


NUR BATRISHA NAWAWI, 25
Freelancer

The heat has reshaped my whole routine. Even as a freelancer, I’ve to start work earlier to avoid the afternoon heat. I recently went camping at Damai Escape Park — the midday sun was brutal but the shade from trees made a huge difference. At home, we use the air-conditioner almost nonstop, rearranged fans, and even shifted to lighter bedding. My biggest worry is for people without access to cooling options. My fiancé nearly passed out from heat exhaustion recently — it was a wake-up call. We need to check in on one another more.


NAZREEN ABDUL RADZAK, 26
“Walking outside now without an umbrella feels impossible. I always carry a water bottle and use fans to stay cool. Cold packs help, and I never skip sunscreen. My main concern is for outdoor workers who are most exposed to this heat. We need to make sure they’re hydrated and protected. Thankfully, I haven’t experienced any heat-related symptoms, but I stay cautious. My advice? Stick to the shade and hydrate constantly — it’s the best prevention against heat stroke.

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