THE Ministry of Health (MOH) has stepped up public health preparedness for worsening haze conditions by adding 1,793 respiratory devices and strengthening surveillance of haze-related illnesses at 78 healthcare facilities nationwide.
Health Minister Datuk Seri Dr Dzulkefly Ahmad said the new equipment comprised 841 AeroChamber devices for adults, 396 for children and 556 nebulisers.
“To ensure the healthcare system is prepared, the ministry has also strengthened the capacity of healthcare facilities by providing the medicines and medical equipment needed to treat haze-related illnesses,” he said during an oral question-and-answer session in the Dewan Rakyat today.
He was responding to Cha Kee Chin (PH-Rasah), who asked about the ministry’s measures to address the health effects of haze on the public.
Dzulkefly said the ministry was working with the Department of Environment (DOE) and the Malaysian Meteorological Department (METMalaysia) to share information on air quality, Air Pollution Index (API) readings and haze conditions to support risk assessments and public health measures.
It was also collaborating with the National Disaster Management Agency (NADMA) to address haze-related crises.
Surveillance of haze-related illnesses has been strengthened through 78 sentinel healthcare facilities nationwide, with monitoring focused on upper respiratory tract infections (URTI), asthma and conjunctivitis.
Monitoring was stepped up during epidemiological week 32, from Aug 9 to 15, following rising API readings and deteriorating air quality.
The National Haze Operations Room was activated on Sept 4 to coordinate monitoring and responses to the health effects of haze. - October 15, 2026