Be prepared to face hotter days

 

Experts warn of wet-bulb temperatures for those vulnerable to heatstroke 

Preparing for Extreme Heat

Tips on how to stay safe in hot weather

 As global warming ratchets up, Malaysians should prepare to face hotter and muggier days during the dry spell brought about by the annual Southwest Monsoon, say weather experts.

Along with this, it is also time to pay attention to not just dry-bulb readings provided by the typical thermometer but also wet-bulb temperatures (WBT), which scientists say are important to those who are vulnerable to heatstrokes or related ailments.

WBT is an indication of how much the air can be cooled by the evaporation of water into it and is usually measured using a thermometer with the bulb covered by a wet membrane, with higher WBT signalling an increased risk for the vulnerable.

WBT and high humidity are often missed during reporting on heatwaves, even though they play a huge role in how a person experiences heat.

Academy of Sciences Malaysia’s fellow Dr Fredolin Tangang said while the Southwest Monsoon season is usually marked by hot and dry weather, global warming could be contributing to even hotter conditions.

“According to the latest observation, the first quarter of 2025 was the second warmest year compared to the corresponding period in 2024, which was the warmest year on record.

“This despite La Nina being active during the first quarter of this year,” he said when contacted.

The APEC Climate Center in (South) Korea, he said, indicated that the surface air temperature over the Indo-pacific region is 80% above normal during the current monsoon period this year.

“Also, the sea surface temperature (SST) was forecasted to be above normal.

“High SST could drive higher relative humidity, and this increases the WBT and also the heat index, creating favourable conditions for heatstrokes,” he said.

Fredolin suggested that the relevant authorities should provide an early warning system to the public to be alert for excessive heat and humidity.

“More public announcements of the danger of heatstroke and how to avoid getting one should be regularly broadcast, while the public should not take lightly the extreme conditions that heighten the risk for heatstrokes,” he said.

A 2023 paper published by researchers from Universiti Teknologi Malaysia raised concerns about the future emergence of urban areas as hotspots for heat stress, particularly in peninsular Malaysia.

Their study showed a notable increase in the mean temperature over the peninsula, surpassing the global average, which could lead to a substantial increase in WBT, especially in dense urban regions.

According to National Antarctica Research Centre climatologist Prof Datuk Dr Azizan Abu Samah, there is a high chance the Asean region will see above-normal temperatures between June and August, based on several predictive models.

“The inter-monsoon period typically transitions into the Southwest Monsoon over the Asean region in June and will continue throughout the outlook period,” he said, while advising the people to minimise their exposure to the blistering sun as much as possible.

Meteorological Department’s (Metmalaysia) director-general Dr Mohd Hisham Mohd Anip said the main cause for current hot and humid weather is the Southwest Monsoon that began on May 10, with the phenomenon expected to continue until September.

“This monsoon typically brings dry weather to most parts of the country.

“However, thunderstorms and heavy rain may still occur from time to time,” he said.

Mohd Hisham added that the extended absence of rain over several days could result in searing conditions similar to what happened earlier this month.

On June 2, Metmalaysia issued a Level 1 heat advisory in six areas in the peninsula which experienced maximum daily temperatures of between 35°C and 37°C for three consecutive days.

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Home fires due to electrical short circuits on alarming risee

 

Rising trends: For three consecutive years, landed homes have had the most structural fires caused by short circuits, says the Fire and Rescue Department.

Fires caused by electrical short circuits are on the rise, particularly in residential areas, and are a serious concern. In Malaysia, for example, short circuit fires have been a frequent cause of residential fires and have even resulted in tragic loss of life. A significant percentage of fires are attributed to short circuits, wrong wiring, overheating, and overloading of circuits.

PETALING JAYA: It’s a burning issue in Malaysia – at least 2,000 fires caused by short circuits happened last year, destroying hundreds of homes and causing millions in losses.

It was the highest number of cases in the past three years.

There were 2,030 cases of structural fires due to short circuits last year, compared to 1,264 cases in 2023 and 1,243 in 2022, according to the Fire and Rescue Department.

What is more unsettling is that most of these fires took place in houses where people lived.

“Landed homes recorded the highest number of structural fires due to short circuits for three years in a row,” it said.

In 2022, there were 532 cases involving such properties, but this increased to 595 in 2023 and 745 last year, the department said.

The Electrical and Electronics Association of Malaysia said among the most common yet overlooked issues when it comes to electrical safety at home are overloading power points or using poor-quality extension cord

Its president Albert Tan said many homeowners plug multiple high-wattage appliances into a single socket or power strip, unaware that this can overheat wiring and trigger a fire.

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“Another major concern is neglecting regular inspections of older wiring systems, especially in homes built more than 20 years ago.

“Ageing wires can deteriorate, leading to short circuits or arcing, if not addressed,” he said.

Equally critical, he said, is the mistake of engaging unlicensed or unqualified people to do electrical work.

“Do-it-yourself (DIY) installations or hiring non-certified personnel can result in dangerous wiring that does not meet safety standards,” Tan said.

He said only licensed electrical contractors and competent wiremen should be engaged for all wiring, installation or maintenance work to ensure compliance with safety regulations and technical standards.- The Star

“Always look for Sirim or equivalent safety certification marks. Substandard or counterfeit items may not meet minimum safety standards.

“Also, avoid overloading circuits. Spread out high-power devices like air-conditioners, water heaters, and microwaves across different sockets and avoid daisy-chaining extension cords,” he said.

Installing residual current devices can also help, Tan said, noting how they automatically cut off electricity when a fault is detected.

The growing number of electric vehicles with more users installing chargers at home could add to the problem.

Tan said any charger installation must be done by an Energy Commission-registered electrical contractor with the grade of “Competent Wireman”.

“Improper installation can lead to serious fire hazards and electrical safety risks.

“Household members should also be encouraged to practise simple habits like unplugging appliances not in use and keeping cords away from wet or hot areas,” he said.

He said electrical safety should not be reactive but a routine part of home upkeep.

“We encourage homeowners to treat electrical systems with the same level of seriousness as plumbing or gas.

“Safety begins with awareness.

“It must be followed by responsible action,” he said, adding that the association will continue working with regulators and industry players to promote safe electrical practices, ensure the competency of contractors, and enhance public awareness.

Don’t bite the scammers’ bait

 

PETALING JAYA: Staying alert and cautious about potentially deceptive online links is not just a matter of good practice; it is an essential defence against cunning scammers who aim to drain the bank accounts of unsuspecting victims.

Recently, scammers have exploited various forms of monetary and welfare aid offered online by the government, particularly targeting the lower-­income group by masking hyperlinks to deceive applicants.

Certified fraud examiner and anti-money laundering specialist Raymon Ram (pic) advises that being cautious of suspicious online links can help reduce the risk of online scams.

He said that in addition to emails, malicious links are now appearing across various channels, including short message services (SMS), WhatsApp or Telegram applications, social media posts and pop-up windows.

These links frequently disguise themselves as coming from reputable sources, including government agencies, banks and various service providers.

“Scammers have become skilled at making their links appear legitimate, but there are several red flags online users could look out for,” he said.

He said scammers often create websites that mimic real organisations by adding small typos or extra words to genuine website addresses to hoodwink their potential victims.

Raymon said users should check the core or root domain that comes before the top domain, like “dot com”, “dot gov”, or “dot my”, to make sure it matches the real one they want to use.

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“Users should be aware that the Hypertext Transfer Protocol Secure protocol (HTTPS) does not assure safety, and neither does the padlock icon, as scammers can easily obtain these certificates.

“HTTPS alone does not prove a site’s legitimacy, as it simply means the data sent is encrypted,” said the founder and managing principal of Graymatter Forensic Advisory, a company that specialises in financial forensics.

He said scammers also insert messages that appear urgent or may emotionally trigger users to react and proceed without caution.

“Examples of such messages include phrases like ‘your account will be suspended’ or ‘claim your prize now’.

“Other indicators of potential scams are poor grammar, misspellings and generic greetings.

“Also, in contrast, legitimate organisations typically address individuals by their names and maintain a professional and formal tone.

CLICK TO ENLARGE

“Users are also advised to preview or scrutinise links to ascertain their destinations before clicking on them.

“If users are unsure, it’s best to avoid such links and verify their authenticity with the institution they are trying to reach,” Raymon said.

Asked whether a single click on a scam link can result in the loss of someone’s bank account, he clarified that it typically requires multiple actions for users to lose their funds.

Raymon said there are three main pathways that lead to online theft, namely through phishing websites – where a user clicks a link and lands on a fake bank login page before providing their username, password and one-time code.

Scammers eventually use the details to access the real account and transfer money, he added.

He said another tactic is to embed malicious mobile applications such as APK files.

“A user clicks on a link that tells them to install an unofficial Android app.

“The app takes over the device and reads SMS messages, intercepts OTPs, or puts up fake banking screens to get login information.

“These programmes allow scammers to watch the user’s activities and capture sensitive information.

“Hence, it is not the first click itself that empties a bank account but a chain of actions that occurred earlier,” he said.

He said scammers also hide dangerous links to trick people, which is a common method used in phishing and other scams.

“Scammers may hide links in several different ways.

“One example would be putting up a button or text that says ‘Visit Bank Negara’, but a hidden link that takes people to a different website,” Raymon said.

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Chinese scholars flock to Malaysia

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Day out: (From left) Zhang, Xing and He exploring the city during their free time in George Town. — LIM BENG TATT/The Star

Affordable education and cultural ties fuel academic migration

GEORGE TOWN: Attracted by affordability, academic freedom and cultural familiarity, lecturers and researchers from China are drawn to Malaysia to further their scholarly pursuits.

Over 2,300 of them are working on their PhD research at Universiti Sains Malaysia (USM).

They now make up the majority of foreign nationalities in USM’s student population, along with over 3,700 others from China pursuing their master’s and bachelor’s degrees at USM, a sign that pursuing tertiary studies in Malay­sia has become a popular option.

While the PhD candidates expres­sed satisfaction at being able to work on their research topics in Malaysia, they lamented how their tertiary degrees are “valued less” than those from Singapore or Hong Kong.

Lola He Ying Lei, 40, said: “In some parts of China, a PhD from Malaysia is seen as less presti­gious than a mid-tier Chinese university. Some Chinese universities even reject the PhDs from South-East Asian universities of those applying for teaching jobs.

“Some in China view Singa­pore's qualification as higher than other countries in the region. They think Malaysia is an underdeveloped country,” she said.

However, He noted that this misconception tends to fade rapid­ly for those who visit Malaysia.

She is researching constructive journalism comparisons between China and Malaysia in news rela­ted to higher education institutions and noted that academic freedom in Malaysia was consi­derably greater.

“In sensitive disciplines like journalism, PhD candidates in China face strict ideological cons­traints and we must align our research with the supervisor’s direction.

“But at USM, our supervisors encourage us to explore and let our scholarly research evolve,” said the mother of two from Harbin in northeast China, 400km from the Russian border.

He expressed hope that the strengthening of Malaysia-China relations, along with the rising number of tourists and students from China, would lead to a shift in the perception of Malaysia within her home country.

Sharon Zhang Jing Lun, 32, is also revelling in her USM expe­rience, pointing out that research freedom was often restrictive in China.

“At USM, the lecturers lend supportive supervision and flexible research environments that contrast with the rigid system in our country,” she said.

As a journalism lecturer in China, she gave up trying to secure a PhD candidacy in her homeland after being told to wait two or three years to even be considered.

She said in USM, the process was straightforward, and upon arriving, she found Malaysia to be culturally similar and felt right at home.

Zhang, from Shanxi province, is doing a comparative study on China and Malaysia’s media efforts in the control and prevention of the Covid-19 pandemic.

Xing Zhang, 33, an art expert from Shanxi, who is here to research the development and application of Pingyao lacquerware for tourist souvenir models, found affordability to be a key factor in choosing USM.

“The cost of studying is comparable to that in China; however, the living expenses in Malaysia are more financially manageable,” she said.

Xing described acceptance as a PhD candidate in China to be “extremely competitive” and professors there often took only one or two students per year.

The three individuals noted that socially, when interacting with Malaysia’s ethnic Chinese community, they perceive a distinct difference from the Chinese in China, particularly in terms of Mandarin accent and intonation.

“I can understand their Man­da­rin, but if I talk too fast, the Malaysian Chinese will not understand me,” Xing said.

USM disclosed that there are 2,302 PhD candidates from China on campus currently, and their main research areas are management, education, architecture and tourism, arts and design, and language and translation.

Another 2,469 are pursuing master’s degrees in the management, arts, communication and language fields.

A further 1,294 undergraduates from China are pursuing bachelor’s degrees in management, computer science, applied statistics and English for professionals at USM.

USM’s Assoc Prof Dr Nik Norma Nik Hasan from the School of Communication observed that the influx of China’s students to Malaysia began after 2020.

“Between 2016 and 2019, we would see only two to three Chinese pursuing master’s and PhD studies,” she said, adding that on campus now, the numbers from China surpassed all other foreign nationalities.

Assoc Prof Norma said she had several conversations with them about choosing Malaysia, and the most interesting response was that the students trusted their agents in China to advise them on which countries to choose for ­specific degrees.

“Their agents are very influential,” she added.

USM vice-chancellor Prof Datuk Seri Dr Abdul Rahman Mohamed said USM’s global recognition and rankings were a major appeal.

“We are ranked 18th in the Times Higher Education Univer­si­ty Impact Rankings (1st in Malay­sia and South-East Asia) and 146th in QS World University Rankings.

“USM is the only Malaysian university holding the Accelerated Programme for Excellence title and one of the five research- intensive universities in the country,” he said.

Prof Abdul Rahman said almost all courses at USM are taught in English, cutting down language barriers for China’s students.

“Tuition fees and living costs are significantly lower than in countries such as the United States, the United Kingdom and Australia.

“Our multicultural nation makes it easy for China’s students to feel at home,” he said.

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Could vitamin E help promote longevity?

 

Palm oil and rice bran-derived products are major sources of tocotrienols in our diet. — Hovid

The journey of vitamin E research began in the early 20th century, with tocopherols being the first forms identified and studied for their nutritional significance.

Initially regarded as essential for reproductive health, vitamin E gradually garnered attention for its antioxidant properties.

As research progressed, scientists discovered tocotrienols, which were found to possess superior antioxidant capabilities compared to their tocopherol counterparts.

Characterised by unsaturated side chains, tocotrienols contribute to distinct biological activities.

This revelation led to a surge of interest in tocotrienols, prompting investigations into their potential to prevent chronic diseases and promote overall wellness.

Health benefits

The health benefits of tocotrienols are extensive and diverse.

Research suggests that tocotrienols may help lower cholesterol levels, reduce inflammation and protect against neurodegenerative diseases.

They have been associated with:

> Antioxidant properties

One of the most notable characteristics of tocotrienols is their potent antioxidant activity.

Antioxidants are vital for neutralising free radicals – unstable molecules that can cause oxidative stress and lead to cellular damage.

Tocotrienols have been shown to be significantly more effective than their tocopherol counterparts in scavenging free radicals.

This enhanced antioxidant capacity helps protect cells from oxidative damage, potentially reducing the risk of chronic diseases and supporting overall health.

By mitigating oxidative stress, tocotrienols may contribute to the prevention of conditions such as cancer, diabetes and neurodegenerative diseases.

> Cardiovascular (heart) health

Tocotrienols have also been extensively studied for their cardiovascular benefits.

Research indicates that these compounds can help lower cholesterol levels, improve arterial health and reduce inflammation – all critical factors in maintaining heart health.

Tocotrienols may inhibit the synthesis of cholesterol in the liver, leading to lower levels of low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol, often referred to as “bad” cholesterol.

Additionally, their anti-inflammatory properties can reduce the risk of atherosclerosis – a condition characterised by the build-up of plaque in the arteries, which can lead to heart attacks and strokes.

By promoting better lipid profiles and reducing inflammation, tocotrienols play an essential role in supporting cardiovascular health.

> Neuroprotective effects

Emerging research suggests that tocotrienols may offer significant neuroprotective benefits, making them promising candidates for supporting brain health and cognitive function.

Studies have indicated that tocotrienols can help protect neurons from oxidative stress, which is implicated in various neurodegenerative disorders such as Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s diseases.

Their ability to cross the blood-brain barrier allows tocotrienols to exert protective effects directly on brain cells.

Furthermore, tocotrienols may enhance cognitive function and memory, potentially offering a natural approach to preventing age-related cognitive decline.

As the global population ages, the neuroprotective properties of tocotrienols could prove invaluable in promoting longevity and maintaining quality of life.

Cellular longevity

The role of tocotrienols in cellular health also extends to the maintenance of telomeres – the protective caps at the ends of chromosomes – which are pivotal in cellular ageing and longevity.The antioxidant properties of tocotrienols, as well as its support of telomerase activity, could be what helps slow the ageing of our cells.

Composed of repetitive nucleotide sequences, telomeres play a crucial role in maintaining genomic stability by preventing the degradation of genetic material during cell division.

Each time a cell divides, its telomeres shorten, which is a natural part of the ageing process.

When telomeres become critically short, cells enter a state known as senescence, where they can no longer divide.

This process is linked to various age-related diseases and overall longevity.

Factors such as stress, poor diet and lack of physical activity can accelerate telomere shortening, while healthy lifestyle choices may help preserve telomere length and promote longevity.

Emerging research also suggests that tocotrienols may play a significant role in the maintenance and preservation of telomeres, thereby contributing to cellular longevity.

Their antioxidant properties can help protect cells from oxidative stress, a major contributor to telomere shortening.

By neutralising free radicals and reducing oxidative damage, tocotrienols may help slow down the rate of telomere attrition.

In addition to their antioxidant capabilities, tocotrienols have been shown to modulate various signalling pathways involved in cell growth and survival.

Some studies indicate that tocotrienols can enhance the expression of telomerase – an enzyme that adds nucleotide sequences to the ends of telomeres – thus potentially counteracting the natural shortening that occurs during cell division.

This dual action of protecting against oxidative damage and supporting telomerase activity positions tocotrienols as promising candidates for promoting telomere health, and by extension, longevity.

Incorporating tocotrienols

Tocotrienols are primarily found in:

• Palm oil – especially red palm oil, which is rich in both tocotrienols and tocopherols
• Rice bran oil – from rice grains
• Barley – from its bran
• Wheat germ – a nutrient-dense oil source
• Nuts and seeds – especially hazelnuts and sunflower seeds.

Supplements are also available – often derived from palm or rice bran oil – to help meet intake needs.

While no established daily value exists, studies suggest a daily intake of 100-300mg for health benefits.

Tocotrienol supplements can be found as:

• Softgel capsules – convenient for consistent dosing
• Powders – easily mixed into foods.
• Liquid extracts – providing flexible consumption options.

Do consult a healthcare professional before starting supplements, especially for those pregnant or on medication.

Here are some practical tips on how to incorporate tocotrienols into your diet:

• Cooking with oils – use red palm or rice bran oil for enhanced flavour and intake
• Adding whole grains – include barley or whole grain products in your meals
• Snacking smart – choose nuts and seeds for healthy snacks
• Supplements – consider tocotrienol supplements if dietary intake is insufficient
• Diversifying meals – create meals with various tocotrienol sources for nutrition and flavour.

In summary, tocotrienols could provide the bridge between nutrition and longevity, offering significant health ­benefits that merit attention from both science and the public.

Continued research is essential to fully realise their potential in promoting well-being.

Datuk Dr Nor Ashikin Mokhtar is a consultant obstetrician and ­gynaecologist, and a functional medicine practitioner. For further information, email starhealth@thestar.com.my. The information ­provided is for educational and communication purposes only, and it should not be construed as ­personal medical advice. Information published in this article is not intended to replace, supplant or augment a consultation with a health professional regarding the reader’s own medical care. The Star does not give any warranty on accuracy, completeness, ­functionality, usefulness or other assurances as to the content appearing in this column. The Star disclaims all responsibility for any losses, damage to property or personal injury suffered directly or indirectly from reliance on such information.

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