PUTRAJAYA, March 17 — The government is considering extraordinary measures such as the closing of schools to check the impact of the heat wave enveloping the country.

Natural Resources and Environment Minister Datuk Seri Wan Junaidi Tuanku Jaafar said details of the measures will be discussed in the Cabinet tomorrow when a joint taskforce to oversee steps to be taken is tabled.

“Considering that a heat wave has been declared, we will expedite the formation of this task force to get these preparatory measures in place.

“The taskforce will set thresholds such as at what outdoor temperature schools will be closed and how best to use the resources of the ministries involved,” he said, adding that the task force would be a permanent fixture of the country’s disaster management system.

The task force would also issue guidelines and safety measures on public health during a heat wave besides raising public awareness on appropriate lifestyle.

Wan Junaidi was speaking after chairing a multi-agency meeting on the formation of the taskforce which will draw on the resources of the health, communications and multimedia, youth and sports and agriculture and agro-based industries ministries and the Malaysian Maritime Enforcement Agency which operates the amphibious Bombardier fire-fighting aircraft.

The heat wave has seen temperatures soaring to as high as 38.5 degrees Celsius in some areas with the worst affected being Penang, Kedah and Perlis.

Very low rainfall has been recorded in Sabah and Sarawak.

Wan Junaidi said the government would also monitor water levels at major dams besides implementing water rationing if the situation warranted it.

“Based on information from the Irrigation and Drainage department, water level at five dams has fallen below 50 per cent.

“But as rationing falls under state governments and taking into account the situation on the ground, we will assume an advisery role,” he said.

As of Tuesday, the Labong dam in Johor was at 14.4 per cent capacity, Gemencheh, Negri Sembilan, (22.2 per cent), Bukit Kwong, Kelantan (31.5 per cent), Padang Saga, Kedah (35 per cent) and Timah Tasoh, Perlis, (40.8 per cent).

Wan Junaidi said the Spring Equinox, which will begin on Sunday, would not significantly contribute to the heat wave, adding that high temperatures were a result of the El Nino phenomenon.

“The weather across the country is generally hot with the notable exception of Kuching which is in fact experiencing heavy rain. 

“This is due to the El Nino season and it would be reasonable to expect the temperature to pass 40 degrees Celsius. It is expected to remain this way until May or even June,” he said.