General : Haze: Asthma, Conjunctivitis Cases On The Rise - MOH

KUALA LUMPUR: Asthma cases in Malaysia have sharply increased due to worsening air quality from haze affecting numerous regions, with 1,811 recorded cases during epidemiological week 34, a significant rise from 219 cases in the prior week. The Health Ministry (MOH) reported these figures based on surveillance data from selected facilities.

Conjunctivitis cases also climbed to 720 from 146 in the previous week, while acute respiratory tract infections (URTI) dropped by half, from 3,674 to 1,857 cases. No deaths have been reported directly linked to haze complications. However, monitoring by the National Crisis Preparedness and Response Centre (CPRC) has been heightened.

Air quality monitoring revealed that 30 out of 68 Air Pollutant Index (API) stations recorded unhealthy or very unhealthy levels as of 8am on Aug 23, with Sri Aman, Sarawak showing the highest reading of 222, categorized as very unhealthy. Other states and federal territories reported unhealthy API readings, including Perak, Kedah, Penang, Selangor, Negri Sembilan, Perlis, Johor, Putrajaya, and Kuala Lumpur.

Following the surge in respiratory illnesses, the MOH advised the public, especially high-risk groups like children, the elderly, and those with chronic lung conditions, to limit outdoor activities and wear suitable masks such as N95 masks when outdoors. The public was also urged to drink plenty of water to stay hydrated and seek immediate medical attention at the nearest health facility for breathing difficulties, persistent coughing, or eye irritation.