Children, Elderly Most Exposed to Extreme El Niño Effects

Malaysia faces a heightened risk for its most vulnerable populations should the country experience an extreme El Niño event. Public health expert Datuk Dr. Zainal Ariffin Omar has identified children and the elderly as particularly susceptible to the adverse effects of prolonged high temperatures associated with the phenomenon.

Beyond these primary groups, Dr. Zainal Ariffin noted that other segments of the population are also at significant risk. These include pregnant mothers, individuals whose work requires them to be outdoors for extended periods, and those suffering from chronic illnesses. All these groups are more vulnerable to the health impacts of extreme heat.

The expert explained that children under the age of five are especially vulnerable because their bodies' thermoregulation systems are not yet fully mature. This makes it difficult for them to maintain a stable internal body temperature when exposed to excessive heat. Similarly, the elderly often have compromised physiological systems that make them less resilient to heat stress.

While the article does not detail specific preventative measures or the predicted severity of an El Niño event for Malaysia, it underscores the importance of awareness and preparedness for potential heat-related health issues. The focus remains on identifying the groups most at risk to guide public health efforts.