Data from the Health Ministry (MOH) show a sharp rise in respiratory illnesses amid haze affecting several parts of the country, with asthma cases increasing 259% and upper respiratory tract infections (URTI) rising 124% between epidemiological weeks (EW) 32 and 33.
Health Minister Datuk Seri Dr Dzulkefly Ahmad said URTI cases rose to 3,674 from 1,637, while asthma cases increased to 219 from 61 over the same period. Conjunctivitis cases, meanwhile, fell 7% to 146 from 157.
The increase comes as haze continues to affect several areas, with seven locations recording unhealthy Air Pollutant Index (API) readings as at 8 am today. Five were in Sarawak — Serian at 197, Kuching (185), Sri Aman (178), Samarahan (176) and Sarikei (128) — while Sungai Petani in Kedah and Taiping in Perak each recorded 126.
In Kedah, the state Health Department advised residents, particularly those in Sungai Petani and Alor Setar, to reduce outdoor activities. Sungai Petani recorded an API reading of 149 at 10 am, categorised as unhealthy, while Alor Setar recorded a moderate reading of 94.
Given the conditions, the department urged high-risk groups, including children, older people and those with heart or respiratory conditions, to take extra precautions when API readings reach unhealthy levels.
It also advised the public to limit strenuous outdoor activities, use appropriate respiratory protection when necessary, drink enough water, avoid smoking and areas affected by smoke or pollution, and check API readings before planning outdoor activities.
Alongside the haze-related health concerns, Dzulkefly said the ministry had recorded 90 cases of heat-related illnesses, comprising 71 cases of heat exhaustion, 14 of heatstroke and five of heat cramps.
He said the number of reported cases had ranged between two and three per week from EW 30 to 32, but the latest figures recorded nine cases, mainly involving heatstroke.
Eight of the heatstroke cases involved participants in the Malaysia Games (SUKMA) in Selangor, with one requiring further treatment in a hospital ward.
Dzulkefly said the situation remained under control with close monitoring by medical teams, while advising the public to limit exposure to direct sunlight and seek immediate medical attention if they develop symptoms.
