Penang youth, sports and health committee chairman Daniel Gooi said the organisers had provided all essential requirements, including sufficient water stations and medical teams along the route on April 26, and had acted promptly when the runner was found to be unwell, Bernama reported.

“The 42-year-old man from Tampin, Negeri Sembilan, successfully completed the 30km category before collapsing. The medical team immediately rushed him to the hospital for treatment, but he later passed away.

“The cause of death was confirmed as heatstroke. It is possible the man had underlying health conditions,” he told a press conference at his office at Komtar today.

Gooi said the SOP compliance is a prerequisite for the approval of any sporting event in the state, particularly regarding the provision of medical teams for emergencies.

“We advise those taking part in sports to remain aware of their health levels, stay hydrated, and avoid pushing themselves beyond their physical limits,” he said.

On a separate matter, Gooi said Penang remains free from monkey malaria (Plasmodium knowlesi) infections despite a spike in cases in Sabah, which had recorded 357 cases in the first four months of this year, resulting in one death.

He also said dengue fever cases have shown a significant downward trend in the state, with a 39% decrease recorded so far compared to the same period last year.