Sabah Steps Up Heatwave Health Defences

26 March 2026

KOTA KINABALU: The Sabah government is ramping up monitoring and preparedness as a prolonged hot spell grips the region, with a sharp focus on shielding outdoor workers, rural communities, and other vulnerable residents.

Datuk Julita Majungki, Sabah's Minister of Women, Health and People’s Wellbeing (KWKKR), stressed that her ministry is treating the nationwide surge in heat-related CASES, as flagged by the Ministry of Health (MoH), with utmost gravity.

“In Sabah, countless people toil outdoors as fishermen, farmers, and plantation workers, heightening their exposure risks and demanding urgent attention,” she said.

Julita called on schools, childcare centres, and carers to redouble efforts in protecting children, alongside other at-risk groups such as the elderly, pregnant women, and those with chronic conditions.

The state government is tracking weather patterns closely, liaising with local authorities for prompt alerts and action.

District-level health facilities are under constant scrutiny to guarantee full readiness.

“We are steadfast in protecting public health and safety through this heatwave,” she affirmed.