Malaysian authorities urged people to reduce outdoor activities today amid a searing heat wave that has resulted in the death of a police trainee, health officials said.

Four cases of heat-related illnesses, including one fatality, have been recorded since the start of the month, the Health Ministry said.

Police trainee Azizan Ayob died of heat stroke Wednesday during an orientation session in the southern state of Johor.

Health officials urged police and the military to reduce outdoor training, while the Youth and Sports Ministry was advised to postpone outdoor physical activities for the duration of the heat wave.

Environment Minister Wan Junaidi Tuanku Jaafar said emergency measures would be taken if temperatures exceeding 40 degrees Celsius last for more than seven days, including suspension of classes.

Che Gayah Ismail, director-general of the Malaysian Meteorology Department, warned that the heat wave would continue until the end of the month.

- dpa

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