Haze triggers rise in illnesses in Melaka

The haze triggered a rise in the number of reported cases of respiratory illnesses, asthma and eye ailments between Aug 24 and 30 in Melaka, according to the State Department of Health.

Its director, Datuk Dr Ghazali Othman, said Wednesday 1,387 people were treated for respiratory illnesses at government hospitals and clinics, up from the 1,335 in the previous week.

He also said that the number of people treated for asthma rose to 468 during the week in question from 314 the previous week.

The number of people who sought treatment for eye ailments rose from 73 to 82, he told reporters.

"The department is constantly monitoring the haze-related development and focusing on the three illnesses," he said.

Dr Ghazali advised the people to take the necessary precautionary measures in view of the haze.

He said that though the Air Pollutant Index had dropped to 84 in the Historical City of Melaka and 76 in Bukit Rambai, the people should not remain outdoors for too long.

Last Monday, the API in the city was 118 and in Bukit Rambai, 120.

API readings of between 0 and 50 indicate good air quality; between 51 and 100, moderate; between 101 and 200, unhealthy; between 201 and 300, very unhealthy; and over 301, hazardous.