As temperatures soar across Southeast Asia, the vulnerability of outdoor laborers has become increasingly apparent due to inadequate safety measures. In Malaysia's southern state of Johor, sixty-eight-year-old oil palm smallholder Chung Kee Wa has adapted his routine to cope with the intense heat. Because younger palm trees fail to provide sufficient shade, Chung schedules tasks like weeding, fertilizing, and spraying pesticides for the cooler early morning and evening hours, while avoiding the midday sun entirely. While independent operators like Chung possess the autonomy to adjust their schedules and carry additional hydration, many other outdoor workers in the region remain exposed to hazardous conditions without similar flexibility or protective regulations.
Source : South China Morning Post
Photo : South China Morning Post
