Haze-related illnesses decline, asthma cases down 35.36pct

PUTRAJAYA: Haze-related illnesses saw a 35.36 per cent decline in the latest Epidemiological Week of 2026, with asthma cases registering the most significant decrease, according to the Health Ministry. In EW 37/2026, 722 asthma cases were recorded, a drop of 395 cases from the previous week's 1,117. Conjunctivitis cases also fell by 107, from 334 to 227, representing a 32.04 per cent reduction.

Upper respiratory tract infections (URTI) experienced a 20.18 per cent decrease, from 7,065 to 5,639. Despite these improvements, the ministry will continue monitoring the haze situation, especially in areas with unhealthy air quality levels. The ministry had been conducting daily monitoring of URTI, asthma, and conjunctivitis cases at 78 designated health facilities, alongside assessing Air Pollutant Index readings to decide on suitable public health measures.

The National Haze Operations Room, established on September 4, will continue coordinating monitoring and response efforts. The ministry warned the public, particularly vulnerable groups, to limit outdoor activities and postpone strenuous exercises in areas with unhealthy air quality. As of the early morning of today, 16 stations recorded unhealthy API readings, with 10 in Sarawak, two in Selangor, and one each in Putrajaya, Kuala Lumpur, Negri Sembilan, and Sabah.

Fifty stations recorded moderate API readings, while two stations reported good air quality, with no stations registering very unhealthy or hazardous readings.