KUALA LUMPUR (ANN/THE STAR) – A growing number of residents in Johor have experienced a surge in health issues, including conjunctivitis, upper respiratory tract illness (URTI), and asthma, since the onset of the haze that enveloped the region late last month.
These concerns were voiced by Johor’s State Executive Councillor, Ling Tian Soon, who oversees the state’s health and unity committee.
Ling revealed that two districts, namely Johor Baru and Batu Pahat, have consistently reported unhealthy Air Pollutant Index (API) readings exceeding 101 points over the past week.
The worrisome uptick in health complications has raised alarms as authorities grapple with the escalating haze-related challenges.
“This has led to more people facing health complications such as conjunctivitis, which recorded 45 cases in the past week or epidemiology week (ME) 40.”
The number, he said, was a 73 per cent increase compared with the 26 cases recorded the week before (ME39) when there was no haze.
“A total of 82 asthma cases have been reported to the Health Department in ME40 compared with 52 cases in the week before,” he said in a press conference yesterday to give updates about the current health situation.
Ling said URTI cases rose from 1,174 cases to 1,528 cases during the same period.
“Those affected include children, especially in asthma cases. However, the patients mostly required outpatient treatment with no hospitalisation needed,” he said.
As of 3pm on Tuesday, the MyIPU app showed that Larkin in Johor Baru recorded an API reading of 152. Batu Pahat had a reading of 159.
Air quality is deemed unhealthy if the API reading is between 101 and 200, and very unhealthy if it is between 201 and 300.
An API of more than 300 means the air quality has become hazardous.
Ling said the Environment Department had forecast the air quality to worsen in those two areas but he hoped that the health situation would not deteriorate further.
He assured the people that all government agencies, including the Health Department, had their own standard operating procedures for haze management, so there was no need to worry.
“The public, especially those with respiratory issues, is advised to avoid outdoor activities. Wear a face mask when you head out.
“Take care of yourself and drink lots of plain water to prevent symptoms such as coughs, sore throats and headaches,” he added.
