PUTRAJAYA, May 3 — The Ministry of Health (MOH) has recorded 56 cases related to hot weather nationwide, including two deaths from heat stroke, from Jan 1 to today.

MOH in a statement today announced that the two deaths involved a two-year-old boy who was left in a vehicle and a 42-year-old man who participated in a marathon in Penang.

“Both cases occurred when weather conditions were below Warning Level 1.

“However, the main risk factors identified were exposure to extreme heat in an indoor environment and strenuous physical activity over a long period of time, which caused severe dehydration and failure to regulate body temperature,” the statement said.

According to the statement, there were 47 cases involved heat exhaustion, four cases of exertional  heat stroke, four cases of heat stroke and one case of heat cramps.

MOH said analysis showed that 58 per cent of cases of heat-related illnesses were related to physical activity during hot weather.

“Of the total, almost half involved sports and athletic activities such as cross-country, sports training, and marathons, while the rest involved high-intensity physical training by security and operations teams.

“In this regard, MOH would like to advise the public to always be careful and take preventive measures during hot weather,” the statement said.

Among the preventive measures suggested by MOH are to limit strenuous physical activity and prolonged exposure to hot weather, and for those working under hot weather to spend more time resting in the shade to cool down.

In addition, the public is also reminded to drink plenty of plain water even if they do not feel thirsty to ensure that the body remains hydrated, as well as to use personal protection such as hats, umbrellas, light and brightly coloured clothing.

Risk groups such as infants, children, the elderly, and individuals with chronic diseases should always be adequately hydrated, and parents and guardians are reminded to avoid leaving children alone in vehicles.

The public is reminded to seek immediate treatment at a health facility if they experience symptoms such as dizziness, nausea, muscle cramps, or extreme fatigue.

“MOH also urges all parties including government agencies, educational institutions and care centres to take appropriate preventive measures, especially in planning and implementing outdoor activities to reduce the risk of heat-related illnesses.

“The public can get the latest information on the status of hot weather on the METMalaysia website and preventive measures to reduce the health effects of hot weather on the MOH website,” the statement said. — Bernama

KAJANG, May 3 — The search and rescue (SAR) operation for a nine-year-old girl who is feared to have drowned after falling into a drain in Bandar Mahkota Cheras, entered its third day today with the search being extended to Sungai Langat.

Fire and Rescue Department (JBPM) operations commander Izman Adnan said the radius covered a distance of five kilometres (km) from the location of the incident around Pangsapuri Sri Hijau to the end of Sungai Long which connects to Sungai Langat.

He said the search today was also carried out from Sungai Langat as far as 24 km towards the Department of Irrigation and Drainage (DID) water retention pond in Putrajaya, making the total search radius 29 km.

“The total rescue team today comprise 60 people from the fire brigade, the Civil Defence Force (APM) and the police, while the assets include three boats and two canoes, with a K9 unit (detection dog).

“We hope to complete the search today, aided by the good weather at the moment,” he told reporters at the scene of the incident here, today.

Izman said today’s search strategy also involved the services of the K9 Unit at several strategic locations along the deep river before the Water Rescue Team (PPDA) dived in if there were any positive leads.

Regarding the weather, he said the sunny environment with calm river currents and shallowness at knee level made it much easier for members to move along the banks and waterways.

The nine-year-old girl was reported missing after falling into a drain while trying to retrieve a ball, before being swept away by the strong current following heavy rain in the incident last Friday evening.

Fire brigade received the emergency call for the incident at 7.08 pm. — Bernama

KUALA LUMPUR, May 2 — The Meteorological Department has issued a thunderstorm warning covering the Klang Valley and several other states, with heavy rain and strong winds expected until 6pm today.

Affected areas include Selangor, Kuala Lumpur, and Putrajaya, as well as multiple regions across Perlis, Kedah, Penang and Perak.

Other states under the alert include Kelantan, Terengganu, Pahang, Negeri Sembilan, Melaka and Johor, covering several districts in each state.

In East Malaysia, the warning also extends to parts of Sarawak including Kuching, Samarahan, Sibu, Bintulu and Miri, as well as multiple divisions in Sabah including Kota Kinabalu, Penampang and Tuaran.

The alert also covers Labuan, with thunderstorms expected across all listed areas.

The MetMalaysia said thunderstorms, heavy rain and strong winds are expected or occurring in areas where rainfall exceeds 20mm per hour and may last more than an hour.

It added that thunderstorm warnings are short-term advisories valid for up to six hours per issuance.

PUTRAJAYA, May 2 — The Department of Wildlife and National Parks (Perhilitan) today refuted claims that a purported Malayan Tiger was spotted in a weak and sickly condition at Tennoji Zoo in Osaka, Japan, as seen in a viral video circulating on social media.

In a statement issued today, Perhilitan clarified that the animal in the video is an Amur Tiger (Panthera tigris altaica), not a Malayan Tiger (Panthera tigris jacksoni). In fact, no Malayan Tigers exist at the said zoo.

“The video shows a tiger that has been falsely identified as a Malayan Tiger in a thin and unhealthy state at Tennoji Zoo in Osaka, Japan.

“This has sparked public concern and negative reactions, particularly regarding wildlife welfare and the perceived image of Malayan Tiger conservation,” the statement read.

Perhilitan also clarified that the Amur Tiger does not belong to the department or the Government of Malaysia.

The department added that the spread of this misinformation has caused public confusion and damaged public perception of Malaysia’s conservation efforts for its endangered wildlife.

In light of this, Perhilitan reminded the public to be responsible by verifying facts before sharing any information, particularly on social media.

“The dissemination of inaccurate or unverified information can create confusion, trigger negative perceptions and undermine wildlife conservation efforts at both the national and international levels.

“The public is also encouraged to refer to official government sources or authorised bodies for accurate and reliable information, and to avoid making baseless speculations,” the department said.

Perhilitan remains fully committed to preserving the nation’s wildlife and will continue working with stakeholders at home and abroad to ensure the welfare of endangered species, including the Malayan Tiger. — Bernama

PUTRAJAYA, May 2 — Police have confirmed that a Chinese national died after falling from Level 3 of the Kuala Lumpur International Airport Terminal 2 (KLIA Terminal 2) in an incident that went viral on social media yesterday.

KLIA Police Chief ACP M. Ravi, in a statement today, said the incident occurred at 2.20 pm.

He said a medical team that arrived at the scene provided emergency care before the woman was pronounced dead at 5.09 pm at Putrajaya Hospital while receiving further treatment.

“Investigations revealed that the 27-year-old woman was scheduled to board a flight back to China tomorrow. The case has been classified as a sudden death report (SDR), and the cause of the incident is still under investigation,” he said.

Those with information regarding the incident are urged to contact the KLIA District Police Headquarters at 03-8776 8222 to assist in the investigation. — Bernama

PUTRAJAYA, May 2 — Police arrested two foreign men early yesterday morning, suspected of being involved in begging activities at Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KLIA) Terminal.

KLIA Police Chief ACP M. Ravi said the suspects, aged 28 and 45, are believed to be the individuals shown in a viral social media video of begging at the terminal.

He said investigations found that the suspects are from Tajikistan and Palestine, and both failed to show valid passports or travel documents.

“The suspects’ modus operandi was to approach visitors at the airport to ask for money by eliciting sympathy,” he said in a statement yesterday.

The case is being investigated under Section 6(1)(c) of the Immigration Act 1959/63 for staying in Malaysia without a valid pass or permit.

The section provides for a fine of up to RM10,000, or a maximum jail term of five years, or both, and liability to not more than six strokes of the cane upon conviction.

Ravi advised the public, especially airport users, to be careful when approached by strangers to avoid becoming victims of scams. — Bernama

PUTRAJAYA, May 1 — The Road Transport Department (JPJ) has denied claims circulating on social media, including Threads, alleging that free driving licences are being offered.

In a statement, the agency said it had received complaints regarding the spread of fake advertisements promoting such offers on social media platforms.

JPJ stressed that the advertisements are false and invalid.

“In this regard, the public is advised not to be easily deceived by any promotions offered through suspicious accounts or platforms to avoid confusion and the risk of losses.

“The public is also reminded not to be confused with the MyLesen B2 Programme initiative. Applications for the programme have already closed, and successful applicants are contacted directly to register at driving institutes,” it said.

JPJ said all official announcements regarding its services are only issued through its official Facebook pages at both headquarters and state levels, and not through any unofficial accounts.

“The public is encouraged to always verify information through official JPJ channels before believing or sharing any information.

“Any complaints or further information can be channelled through the official JPJ Complaints Portal at https://jpj.spab.gov.my/

“JPJ remains committed to ensuring accurate information delivery and protecting the public from any form of fraud,” it added.

PUTRAJAYA, May 1 — The Malaysian Border Control and Protection Agency (AKPS) has proposed that all entry points in the north of Peninsular Malaysia at risk of being exploited for smuggling activities be led by senior police officers.

AKPS director-general Datuk Seri Mohd Shuhaily Mohd Zain said the agency required an Entry Point Commander who was well-versed in transborder crime and capable of acting swiftly to strengthen operational capabilities at the relevant entry points.

“I am appealing to the government for all northern entry points with risk of smuggling to be placed under such leadership by police officers because at this early stage, we need those who are experienced in transborder crime operations,” he said when appearing as a guest on Bernama TV’s Ruang Bicara programme yesterday. 

Mohd Shuhaily also expressed appreciation to the Royal Malaysia Police (PDRM) for its swift action in a shooting incident involving the AKPS Bukit Kayu Hitam commander early this year.

“Many thanks to Inspector-General of Police Datuk Seri Mohd Khalid Ismail for the assistance rendered to my commander recently, which was prompt and decisive, ensuring that the confidence of my personnel was not severely affected.

“This is also where, if an Entry Point Commander comes from PDRM, he would have a more structured network and support system to respond swiftly and effectively,” he said.

In the 5.40 am incident on Feb 25, a vehicle driven by AKPS Bukit Kayu Hitam commander SAC Mohd Nasaruddin M Nasir was shot at about one kilometre from the Malaysia-Thailand border by a suspect on a motorcycle.

On the recruitment of Malaysian Armed Forces (MAF) veterans into AKPS, he said it was an effective measure to strengthen the country’s border control while safeguarding the welfare of former military personnel.

Mohd Shuhaily said AKPS and the Defence Ministry (MINDEF) were also studying a more comprehensive and structured mechanism to expand the involvement of MAF veterans in the agency.

“I, together with the Chief of Defence Force and the secretary-general of MINDEF, are trying to explore something more robust, something more conclusive that can resolve AKPS issues.

“At the same time, it can serve as a platform for veterans to work while ensuring their welfare is taken care of, as they are still young,” he said.

Despite being a new agency, Mohd Shuhaily said AKPS had already recorded major achievements, including nearly RM82.1 million in seizures throughout 2025, proving the integrity of its workforce. — Bernama