KUALA LUMPUR: Upper respiratory tract infection (URTI) cases surged by 167 per cent to 7,065 during epidemiological week 36 amid worsening haze conditions across the country, Health Minister Datuk Seri Dr Dzulkefly Ahmad said.
He said asthma cases rose by 127 per cent to 1,117, while conjunctivitis cases increased by 83 per cent to 334 over the same period.
"Further increases were recorded in epidemiological week 40, with URTI cases rising by nearly 60 per cent to 5,613, alongside increases in other haze-related conditions," he said in the Dewan Rakyat today.
Epidemiological week 36 covered Sept 6 to 12, while week 40 covered Sept 28 to Oct 4.
Dzulkefly was responding to Tuan Cha Kee Chin (PH-Rasah), who asked about the ministry's measures to address haze-related health risks, including inter-agency cooperation with the Department of Environment (DoE), health advisories and protection for high-risk groups.
He said the ministry monitored URTI, asthma and conjunctivitis cases year-round through 78 health facilities.
Surveillance was stepped up through the Crisis Preparedness and Response Centre (CPRC) from epidemiological week 32 (Aug 9 to 15) following a rise in the Air Pollutant Index (API) and deteriorating air quality.
The ministry activated the National Haze Operations Room on Sept 4 to strengthen monitoring, inter-agency coordination and the public health response.
"To ensure health system readiness, the ministry strengthened the capabilities of health facilities by supplying the necessary medications and medical equipment.
"Among other measures, we added 841 aerochamber units for adults and 396 for children, as well as 556 nebuliser units, to prepare for a possible increase in cases."
Dzulkefly said the ministry worked with the DoE and the Malaysian Meteorological Department (MetMalaysia) on air quality data and API readings to support risk assessments and public health measures.
It also worked with the National Disaster Management Agency to manage crises, and with the Education Ministry and the Youth and Sports Ministry to provide health advice and preventive measures for school students and outdoor sports enthusiasts.
"Information dissemination has been intensified through various communication channels, including print media and RTM.
"Members of the public are advised to monitor the latest API readings in their respective areas and comply with health advisories issued by the authorities, including the ministry."
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