Taiping folk are staying out of the sun as they have never experienced going without rain for this long.
Taiping folk will have to endure the hot weather a little longer
TAIPING: While Taiping is known as the wettest town in Peninsular Malaysia, the town is currently facing a month-long drought, with folks saying that the town has not seen any rain for more than a month.
For 63-year-old retiree, V. Veera, the heat has limited him from his usual routine of leisurely walks around the park.
“I usually walk around the Lake Garden every morning before I do my light exercise.
“But now, I only walk under shaded areas because it gets too hot even in the morning,” said Veera, who added he starts his exercises around 9.30am due to the heat.
“If I can remember, it has been at least a month and a half since the last bout of prolonged rain.
“It did rain two days ago, but it lasted for a few minutes only.”
In late February, the Meteorological Department (MetMalaysia) predicted warmer weather, with less rainfall for the coming weeks.
The hot weather that began since Chinese New Year is expected to last until the middle of March.
Meanwhile, for a food seller who wished to be known as Liang, 36, the heat has affected her business.
“It is rare for Taiping to be this hot for so long.
“Usually, you can see people walking or jogging at the Lake Garden all day, but now, we can see them only in the mornings,” she said.
For media officer, Puteri Nurainaa Balqis, the weather has affected her health.
“I am lucky I am allowed to do work from home. I cannot imagine others, such as contractors, who have to deal with the heat.
“Despite working at home, the heat has affected me badly, and I am currently on sick leave. The weather has made me feel lethargic from time to time,” said the 26-yearold.
Puteri Nurainaa said the light rain two days ago did not do much to offer relief from the heatwave.
“It’s scorching hot,” she said, expressing hope that Taiping will quickly live up to its reputation as the wettest city in the peninsula.