Since the past couple of months, the Malaysian Meteorological Department has told us to brace for extremely hot weather, particularly in the afternoons. Temperatures which had rarely varied beyond 32 degrees C or 33 degrees C throughout the entire year has soared above 37 degrees C. The El Nino phenomenon which is cited at the main reason for the current hot and dry weather, was predicted to last till March but to date it has not shown any signs of ending.

We have been warned that heat can be quite intolerable and we need to prepare to face extreme conditions. Thank you to the Health Ministry which has been persistently reminding consumers to remain hydrated always as it could be fatal otherwise. Drinking a lot of water is the only way to remain hydrated and it is helpful to remain indoors when the sun is blistering over our heads.

Enough materials had also been made available to educate consumers on heat-related ailments such as the deadly heat stroke. Quick and strategic response of the Education Ministry which has been on high alert to ensure that children are protected by closing schools is also welcomed.

While extreme heat has known negative effects on our health, lack of rain will almost certainly trigger a return of the water shortage. Some states are already feeling it and this is expected to spread throughout the country.

For us who live in Selangor and Kuala Lumpur, we surely remember the difficulty faced during the last water crisis situation and we would definitely want to avoid it. As such, it is advised that where possible we must apply principles of sustainability when using water. Use water only when it is absolutely necessary. In other instances, please recycle!

While El Nino is a natural phenomenon, it has taken a toll on household finances of consumers in the form of high electricity bill. According to Tenaga Nasional Berhad (TNB), heavy usage of energy was reflected in the country’s electricity consumption reaching an all-time high peak demand of 17,175MW last month. Last month’s electricity consumption has reportedly reached an all-time high peak demand of 17,175MW, breaking the record of 16,901MW from June 2014.

The unbearable heat has demanded consumers to switch on their air-conditioning units and other air cooling equipment for longer periods throughout the day to ensure comfort. Some consumers are experiencing an electricity bill surge which run into hundreds of ringgits.

Taking into consideration the potential hardship caused by this El Nino phenomenon on consumer finances, the Malaysian Consumers Movement (MCM) urges the government, through TNB, to provide a one-off rebate on electricity bills for this period of time to help domestic electricity consumers in particular from the lower and middle income groups cushion this ad hoc expense.

This is probably time for TNB to discharge its social responsibly to help a segment of the rakyat who may desperately require help while an opportunity for the government to offer acceptability on taxes collected via the Goods and Services Tax (GST).

DARSHAN SINGH DHILLON is president, Malaysia Consumers Movement (MCM).