Burning up over a 50°C rumor in Malaysia? We join with MyCheck Malaysia to debunk this rumor for you! Trust MetMalaysia’s forecast, not forwarded messages
In the heart of Malaysia, under a relentless sun, the village shimmered in heat. Amir, a young boy, discovered a small, shaded stream, a hidden oasis. Each day, escaping the scorching afternoons, he’d sit by the water, feeling its cool whispers against his skin. The village buzzed about the heat wave, but Amir had found his secret retreat. As he dipped his feet into the refreshing water, he realised that even in the most oppressive heat, pockets of joy and relief can be found. Or so they say…
Can we really find joy in the midst of this heat that is currently happening in Malaysia? We were informed that Malaysians will be experiencing extreme hot weather during this month and were told to be prepared for a high temperatures season. A recent Whatsapp message circulated widely, claiming Malaysians would face scorching temperatures between 40 to 50 degrees Celsius. This naturally caused concern among citizens. Let’s debunk this rumour and explore some valuable techniques to verify information online.
The Viral Message
Fact-Checking with Lateral Reading
Here is a valuable and timeless technique called “lateral reading” to verify such claims:
1.Search Engines: Open your browser, and search relevant keywords. In this case, try “Malaysia weather reaches 50 degrees Celsius.”
2. Compare Results: Right-click on articles and open them in new tabs for side-by-side comparison.
3. Credible Sources: Look for reputable news outlets and official government websites. A quick Google News search for “Malaysia weather reaches 50 degrees Celsius” reveals no credible sources reporting such extreme temperatures.
4. Look for factual inconsistencies: Temperatures exceeding 50°C are extremely rare and pose serious health risks.
5. Check the date of the message: Outdated information can resurface and cause confusion.
Official Confirmation
The Malaysian Meteorological Department (MetMalaysia) is the official source for weather information in the country. Their website provides up-to-date weather data and official statement. MetMalaysia has issued a statement on 13 Feb 2024 to inform the public that Malaysia is experiencing hotter and drier weather than usual due to the tail end of the monsoon season and the strong El Niño phenomenon. While temperatures could exceed 35°C, there’s no indication they’ll reach the extreme 50°C claimed in the viral message.
Conclusion
Our investigation using lateral reading and official sources confirms MyCheck Malaysia findings that the viral message about the heatwave in Malaysia is false. We advise the movement to stay critical of forwarded messages and verify information before sharing. Stay informed by following trusted sources such as MetMalaysia and MyCheck Malaysia.