Article Summary
Hot weather in Malaysia is increasingly linked to mental health risks, with rising temperatures contributing to fatigue, irritability and reduced emotional regulation. Experts highlight dehydration and prolonged heat exposure as key factors, particularly affecting vulnerable groups and urge proactive measures to safeguard psychological well-being amid intensifying climate conditions.

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By: Noor Eszereen Juferi

 

 

SERDANG, 30 March – The ongoing hot weather affecting Malaysia is not only impacting the environment but is increasingly being identified as a factor that could undermine the mental health of the population.

 

In a hot and humid country like Malaysia, rising temperatures, particularly during heatwaves, force both the body and mind to work harder to adapt. This can lead to fatigue, sleep disturbances, and noticeable emotional changes among individuals.

 

Clinical Psychologist at Hospital Sultan Abdul Aziz Shah (HSAAS), Universiti Putra Malaysia (UPM), Prof Dr Firdaus Mukhtar, said that high temperatures can trigger emotional shifts such as irritability, exhaustion, reduced focus, and prolonged discomfort.

 

“In extreme heat, the body essentially enters a ‘stress mode’. This makes individuals more sensitive and, in some cases, may increase aggressive and impulsive behaviour,” she said.

 

 

She added that the situation becomes more concerning as many Malaysians are reported to consume insufficient water, falling short of the recommended eight glasses per day.

 

“Dehydration not only affects physical health but also has a direct impact on brain function. It can disrupt electrolyte balance, lower energy levels, and impair concentration and emotional regulation,” she explained.

 

According to her, when the body lacks adequate hydration and experiences fatigue, brain function is affected, ultimately influencing emotional stability.

 

“While hot weather is not the primary cause of mental health disorders, it can act as a trigger for individuals who are already at risk. International studies in Australia and Vietnam have shown up to a 9.7 percent increase in psychiatric hospital admissions when temperatures exceed 35 degrees Celsius for more than three consecutive days,” she said.

 

From both psychological and biological perspectives, discomfort caused by heat makes the brain more prone to generating negative emotions such as anger and anxiety.

 

“Physical fatigue and sleep disruption reduce a person’s ability to regulate emotions effectively. This ongoing physiological stress can undermine emotional stability as the body continuously struggles to adapt to high temperatures,” she added.

 

 

Vulnerable groups include children, the elderly, individuals with pre-existing physical or mental conditions, and those without access to cooling environments. Outdoor workers such as labourers and food delivery riders, as well as individuals facing high work pressure or family responsibilities, are also at greater risk.

 

“In addition to physical strain, these groups often face a heavier emotional burden during hot weather,” she noted.

 

Prof Dr Firdaus urged the public to take proactive steps to mitigate the impact of heat on mental health. These include staying adequately hydrated even when not thirsty, reducing exposure to heat by seeking shaded or cooler environments, ensuring sufficient rest and sleep, and adjusting daily activities to avoid peak heat periods.

 

“Wearing appropriate clothing, planning ahead before going outdoors, and being aware of one’s emotional state are equally important. Individuals who feel easily irritable or stressed should take time to calm themselves and seek professional help if necessary,” she said.

 

 

 

She also encouraged schools and employers to adjust outdoor activity schedules to minimise excessive heat exposure, particularly for students and workers in open environments.

 

“Unpredictable weather patterns can also disrupt emotional stability by interfering with daily routines and plans. Greater awareness of the link between climate change and mental health is essential to help society better prepare for the increasingly evident challenges of climate change,” she added.

Date of Input: 31/03/2026 | Updated: 13/04/2026 | hairul_nizam