Respiratory infection cases surge 124% amid haze

The health ministry reported a significant rise in respiratory infection cases, particularly upper respiratory tract infections (URTI) and asthma, due to the ongoing haze affecting multiple regions across the country. URTI cases surged by 124.4%, from 1,637 in the 32nd epidemiological week to 3,674 in the subsequent week. Likewise, asthma cases jumped by an alarming 259%, climbing from 61 to 219 instances. However, there was a slight decrease in conjunctivitis cases, from 157 to 146.

Although the number of areas experiencing unhealthy air quality has decreased from 31 on August 25 to 17 at 8am today, the haze persists in certain parts of Sarawak, while other regions seem to have more transient haze conditions. The ministry has pledged to continue monitoring haze-related illnesses to assess the impact on the health of residents in the affected areas.

Currently, only five locations have recorded unhealthy air quality: Samarahan, Serian, and Sri Aman in Sarawak; Cheras in Kuala Lumpur; and Johan Setia in Selangor.