MOH reports a drop in haze-related illnesses

The number of haze-related illness cases showed a downward trend in Epidemiological Week (EW) 37/2026, with asthma cases registering the largest decline of 35.36 per cent compared with the previous week, according to the Ministry of Health (MOH).

In a statement today, the MOH said daily monitoring at 78 sentinel health facilities nationwide recorded 722 asthma cases in EW 37/2026, a decrease of 395 cases from the 1,117 recorded in EW 36/2026.

The ministry said conjunctivitis cases declined by 32.04 per cent, or 107 cases, from 334 to 227 during the same period.

Meanwhile, upper respiratory tract infection (URTI) cases fell by 1,426, or 20.18 per cent, from 7,065 to 5,639.

“Despite the decline in monitored haze-related illnesses, the MOH will continue to closely monitor the haze situation and its health impacts, particularly in areas recording ‘Unhealthy’ air quality levels,” the statement read.

The MOH said the measures include daily monitoring of URTI, asthma and conjunctivitis cases at 78 haze-specific sentinel health facilities, as well as assessing API readings alongside health surveillance data to determine appropriate public health actions.

In addition, the ministry said the National Haze Operations Room, activated on Sept 4, would continue to coordinate monitoring and response efforts while ensuring the preparedness of health facilities, including the availability of medicines, oxygen supplies and relevant medical equipment.

The MOH also advised the public, particularly those in areas with unhealthy air quality, to reduce outdoor activities and postpone strenuous physical exertion, while urging high-risk groups, including children, the elderly and individuals with chronic respiratory or heart conditions, to take the necessary precautions.

Sixteen stations recorded unhealthy Air Pollutant Index (API) readings as of 7 am today, with 10 located in Sarawak, two in Selangor, and one each in Putrajaya, Kuala Lumpur, Negeri Sembilan and Sabah.