Daily maximum temperatures in Malaysia could remain between 33 and 36 degrees Celsius until May, experts added.
High humidity could also make conditions feel hotter, although occasional rainfall may offer respite.
While such temperatures are not unprecedented, experts said heat events are becoming more intense, frequent and prolonged.
“What’s different today is the context in which these events are occurring,” Shahrul said.
Urban areas such as Kuala Lumpur feel the effects more acutely due to the urban heat island effect, where dense infrastructure and human activity trap heat.
With elevated temperatures likely to persist in the coming months, experts warned that dry conditions will increase the risk of fires in parts of both Malaysia and Indonesia.
They also stressed the need for longer-term responses including better early warning systems, more climate-resilient urban planning and stronger regional coordination.
BUSINESSES FEEL THE HEAT
In Malaysia, businesses have been stepping up measures to cope with the ongoing heatwave by ramping up cooling and ventilation measures.
Malls in Kuala Lumpur are “coping well” despite the current Level 1 heatwave in Kuala Lumpur, the Malaysia Shopping Malls Association (Persatuan Pengurusan Kompleks) told CNA in a statement on Mar 27.
“Malaysian malls are already designed with efficient air-conditioning systems to ensure a comfortable indoor environment,” PPK said, adding that many “continue to operate as normal”.
Malls had been seeing good foot traffic over the recent school holidays and extended Hari Raya public holiday, it said.
Some had also stepped up public awareness efforts, including “regular PA announcements reminding shoppers to stay indoor and keep hydrated” and “adjusting air-conditioning”.
“Some malls are also increasing the use of exhaust and ventilation systems, particularly in basement car parks, to expel hot air and improve airflow … (and) deploying standby portable or mobile air-cooler units to support al-fresco dining area or other spots (with) high traffic,” it said.
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