Haze spikes respiratory infections and conjunctivitis cases across Malaysia

The Ministry of Health’s haze-related disease surveillance, covering 78 selected facilities, recorded a 10.43% increase in upper-respiratory tract infections, rising from 3,509 cases in EW 39 to 3,875 in EW 40. Conjunctivitis cases rose 26.47%, from 102 to 129, while asthma admissions dropped 13.64% to 462. Thirty-two air-quality monitoring stations in eight states and two Federal Territories reported API levels between 101 and 200, classified as unhealthy.

Officials urged the public, especially children, the elderly, pregnant women and those with heart or lung conditions, to limit outdoor activities and wear N95-type masks when exposure is unavoidable. Motorists were advised to reduce speed or stop when visibility is poor, and citizens were reminded to check API updates via Department of Environment channels.