Jakarta, ThedailyID — Malaysia has recorded a sharp increase in asthma and upper respiratory tract infection cases amid haze linked to forest and land fires in Indonesia’s Kalimantan.
Malaysian Health Minister Dzulkefly Ahmad said asthma cases detected through the Health Ministry’s sentinel surveillance system rose 259%. Upper respiratory tract infection (URTI) cases also increased 124%.
URTI cases reached 3,674, up from 1,637. Meanwhile, asthma cases rose to 219 from 61, while conjunctivitis cases fell 7% to 146 from 157.
“Upper respiratory tract infection cases were the highest at 3,674, rising from 1,637 cases, while asthma cases reached 219 compared with 61 cases,” Dzulkefly said, as cited by The Star, (24/08).
Dzulkefly urged the public, especially people with asthma and other respiratory conditions, to limit outdoor activities while haze conditions persist.
“Make sure you get enough fluids, avoid unnecessary exposure, and follow the guidelines issued by the ministry,” he said, as cited by The Star, (24/08).
He also advised people experiencing symptoms to seek medical attention promptly.
Malaysia’s Air Pollutant Index showed several areas reaching unhealthy levels on Sunday. Serian in Sarawak recorded the highest reading at 197, followed by Kuching at 185 and Sri Aman at 178.
Under Malaysia’s air quality classification, readings between 101 and 200 are considered unhealthy. Readings above 300 are classified as hazardous.
The haze has affected several parts of Malaysia as Indonesia continues efforts to control forest and land fires. Firefighters, disaster agencies, military personnel and police have been deployed to tackle the fires.
Indonesia has also conducted weather modification operations to encourage rainfall in affected areas.
