Poor air quality: Sharp rise in asthma cases

Health Minister Dr Dzulkefly Ahmad reported a dramatic surge in asthma cases, more than quadrupling from 61 to 219, over a single epidemiological week. This 259% increase coincides with a growing haze affecting various parts of the country. Additionally, Health Ministry data revealed a sharp rise in upper respiratory tract infections (URTI), from 1,637 to 3,674 cases, a 124% increase.

However, conjunctivitis cases saw a slight decline of 7%, dropping from 157 to 146. Seven areas logged unhealthy Air Pollutant Index (API) readings as of 8am, with Serian in Sarawak topping the list at 197. The ministry is also monitoring health issues linked to the hot weather, with 90 cases reported, including 71 heat exhaustion cases, 14 heatstroke cases, and five heat cramps.

The recent heatstroke cases, including nine in total, are notably higher than the two to three cases seen in the previous weeks (ME 30 to 32). The Health Minister urged the public to limit exposure to the sun and seek medical attention promptly if experiencing symptoms.