Heatwave in Malaysia: How Pharmacies Can Stay Prepared
Malaysia has been experiencing extreme weather conditions in recent months. According to the Malaysian Meteorological Department (MetMalaysia), the current hot weather is expected to last until September 2025. In addition to scorching heat, unpredictable rain and climate shifts have raised questions about whether the monsoon pattern is changing. These ongoing environmental shifts have significant implications not only for the public but also for healthcare providers, including pharmacists.
While many discussions around heatwaves focus on hydration and public health advisories, pharmacists play an important role as frontline healthcare professionals. Their role goes beyond dispensing medications. During prolonged hot seasons, community pharmacies often become the first stop for Malaysians seeking relief from heat-related illnesses, managing chronic conditions, or buying OTC (over-the-counter) products. This article explores how pharmacists can adapt and prepare for such seasonal challenges while remaining a reliable support system for the community.
Why Malaysia Is Getting Hotter
In some parts of the country, daily temperatures have reached as high as 37°C. A shift in the monsoon season and the El Niño phenomenon are partly to blame. Experts believe climate change is playing a growing role in altering Malaysia’s typical weather cycles.
In May 2025, MetMalaysia reported that six areas in Peninsular Malaysia had reached Level 1 (Caution) status for three consecutive days due to the persistent hot weather. This alert level indicates that temperatures have hovered between 35 and 37 degrees Celsius which is enough to pose early heat-related risks, especially for vulnerable groups.
As these hot periods become more common and last longer, the public and local communities are being urged to stay aware and take steps to reduce the impact of extreme heat on health and daily life.
These high temperatures have already caused disruptions in daily routines, increased hospital visits, and triggered warnings about heatstroke, dehydration, and vector-borne diseases. This puts pharmacists in a position to provide essential healthcare advice and medication access during times of environmental stress.
Malaysia's Heatwave Alert System
To help the public stay informed and safe during extreme weather, the Malaysian Meteorological Department (MetMalaysia) uses a three-level heat index alert system. This system is based on daily maximum temperatures recorded over a period of three consecutive days.
Level 1: Caution
Issued when temperatures range between 35°C and 37°C for three days. This level acts as an early reminder for the public to begin taking basic heat safety measures such as staying hydrated and avoiding direct sunlight for long periods.
Level 2: Heatwave
Triggered when daily highs remain between 37°C and 40°C for three days. This stage signals increased risk, especially for children, older adults, and individuals with existing health conditions. Extra care is advised during this period.
Level 3: Extreme Heatwave
Announced when temperatures exceed 40°C for three consecutive days. This is the most severe level, and it may prompt emergency responses from health and safety authorities to protect the public.
Understanding the Health Risks of Prolonged Heat
Prolonged exposure to high temperatures can lead to a range of health issues from mild symptoms like fatigue and dehydration to more serious conditions such as heat exhaustion, heatstroke, and worsening of chronic diseases.
Common heat-related conditions include:
> Dehydration: Lack of fluids can cause dizziness, low blood pressure, and fatigue.
> Heat exhaustion: Characterized by heavy sweating, weakness, and nausea.
> Heatstroke: A life-threatening condition where body temperature rises dangerously high (above 40°C).
> Skin issues: Rashes, fungal infections, or sunburn.
> Respiratory aggravation: Particularly for asthma or COPD patients when haze or dry conditions accompany heat.
What Pharmacists Can Do: 3 Practical Ways to Help
1. Educate the Public About Heat Safety
When the weather gets really hot, it’s easy for people to forget how quickly heat can affect the body, especially the elderly, children, or those with medical conditions. Your pharmacy can play an important role in reminding the community to stay safe.
Put up friendly reminders at your counter and share simple tips on your social media channels to keep the message going even after they leave the store. For example:
- Drink more water than usual
- Avoid going out during peak sun hours
- Wear breathable clothing
- Watch out for early warning signs like dizziness or dry mouth
These small reminders can help your customers take better care of themselves and their loved ones and show that your pharmacy looks out for the community, both in-store and online.
2. Stock Up on Relevant Products
When the heat gets intense, more people walk into pharmacies looking for relief. Some may feel dizzy from the sun while others just want something to cool down or take care of their skin. There are also those who aren’t sure what they need as they just know something doesn’t feel right.
This is when being prepared really matters. Having the right over-the-counter (OTC) medications in stock and displayed in a way that’s easy to spot shows your customers that you’re paying attention to what they’re going through.
Following are some OTCs recommendations to stock:
Rehydration & Electrolyte Support
Appeton Essentials Activ-C – Effervescent Vitamin C that supports hydration and boosts immunity.
Berocca Effervescent – Combines vitamins and minerals that help with energy and fluid balance.
Redoxon Triple Action Orange Effervescen – Supports immune function, often used during hot weather for added protection.
Cooling & Fever Relief
Koolfever Adult and Children Cooling Gel Sheets – Great for reducing body temperature.
Tiger Balm Medicated Plaster Cool – Provides a cooling effect for muscle aches.
Minyak Angin Cap Kapak / Cap Lang Eucalyptus Oil – Offers relief from heat-induced headaches or dizziness.
Sun Protection
Sunplay Skin Aqua UV Watery Essence SPF50+ – Lightweight and high-protection sunscreen.
Sunplay Clear Water Sunscreen SPF50 – Another variant ideal for daily use.
Skin-Soothing Products
Aiken Tea Tree Oil Facial Cleanser – For sweat-prone and oily skin.
Vaseline Aloe Fresh Lotion – Helps to calm sun-exposed skin.
Sebamed Anti-Dry Soothing Body Lotion – Suitable for dry, irritated skin.
Allergy & Heat Rash Relief
Cetirizine / Loratadine Antihistamines – For heat-related rashes or allergies.
Calamine Lotion – Soothes skin irritation and minor sunburn.
Eurax Cream – Relieves itching from heat rashes.
3. Support Chronic Disease Management
Hot weather can be especially tough for people managing chronic conditions like diabetes, high blood pressure, or asthma. When it gets too warm, the body has to work harder to cool itself down. This can put added strain on the heart, lungs, and other organs, making it harder for these individuals to stay well.
For example, dehydration may lead to unstable blood sugar levels in diabetic patients. Some medications might also react differently in the heat or lose their effectiveness if not stored properly. Even poor air quality on hot days can cause breathing problems to flare up, especially for those with asthma.
Your pharmacy team can step in and make a real difference. Offering simple tools like blood pressure monitors, glucose meters, or inhalers helps people stay on top of their condition. A quick conversation at the counter or a follow-up with a regular customer can go a long way in helping them avoid complications.
You can also share helpful advice in-store or through your social media channels. Tips like staying hydrated, monitoring symptoms more frequently, or checking how heat may affect certain medications can remind your customers to take extra care during this season.
When people feel supported in managing their long-term health, they are more likely to return and trust your pharmacy as a reliable healthcare partner.
How PharmaRise Supports Your Pharmacy During the Heat Season
As Malaysia continues to face long periods of extreme heat and shifting weather, pharmacies should be prepared in every way. At PharmaRise, we support that effort by offering a wide portfolio of pharmaceutical products, OTC items, supplements, medical devices, and seasonal health essentials, you can find everything you need from a single, trusted source. We also keep an eye on seasonal trends and product demand so you can make informed decisions on what to stock.
Our team is ready to support you with fast restocks, product insights, and reliable service to keep your operations running smoothly. Whether you manage a neighbourhood pharmacy or a growing chain, PharmaRise is committed to helping you stay prepared, serve confidently, and support your customers through every season.
