Ecowatch: Working in the age of heat

Malaysian food and parcel delivery riders are increasingly at risk due to extreme heat, particularly between 11:30 AM and 2 PM, when solar UV radiation peaks and demand for deliveries is highest. The Malaysian e-hailing association (GEM) warns riders to prioritize hydration, take breaks, and avoid prolonged exposure to direct heat, though financial pressure and platform incentives often force them to continue working in dangerous conditions. An El Niño weather cycle is expected to intensify heat globally, with an 82% chance of developing between May and July 2026, according to the US National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. This could lead to drier conditions in Malaysia and surrounding regions, exacerbating heat stress for outdoor workers. Europe has already experienced record-breaking temperatures in May, with Britain reaching 34.8°C at Kew Gardens, and wildfires breaking out in Scotland. Similar high readings were recorded in Germany, Hungary, Italy, Spain, and Switzerland, raising concerns about the potential severity of this El Niño event. In Malaysia, two heatstroke deaths and 56 heat-related illnesses have been reported nationwide since May 2026, with 58% of cases linked to physical activity in hot weather. Nearly half of these involved sports and athletic events, while the rest were high-intensity training by security and operational personnel, according to the Health Ministry. Delivery riders, who rely on hourly wages and tips, face a difficult choice: risk heat-related illness or skip peak earning hours. Experts argue that safety measures cannot depend solely on individual workers, emphasizing the need for systemic solutions to protect gig economy laborers in extreme heat. The situation highlights broader concerns about climate change, as El Niño conditions may become more frequent. Without intervention, workers in heat-sensitive industries will continue to face dangerous conditions, particularly in regions like Malaysia and Europe.