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Haze crisis: Haze-related illnesses soar by 40 per cent

September 23, 2019
Source:  New Straits Times

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LABUAN: Cases of conjunctivitis, asthma, respiratory infection and rashes have soared by 40 per cent nationwide, as much of the country is enveloped by haze caused by forest fires in Indonesia.

This was revealed by Health Ministry director-general Datuk Dr Noor Hisham Abdullah, who said that clinics and hospitals are seeing a surge in patients seeking treatment for a variety of smoke pollution-triggered ailments.

He added that the higher the Air Pollutant Index (API) reading of an area, the higher its number of haze-related illnesses, Bernama reported.

As always, he advised the public to limit outdoor activities and take necessary precautions as long as the haze lasts.

“Use face masks when outside, and constantly wash your face and any exposed parts of the body,’’ Dr Noor Hisham added.