Public urged to take preventive measures to reduce risk of haze

The public has been urged to take precautionary measures to reduce the risk of haze, including wearing surgical masks.

Health Minister Datuk Seri Dr S. Subramaniam said although the Air Pollutant Index was not unhealthy, forest fires reported in several areas in the country could worsen the air quality.

"The public should take care of their health, avoid staying too long in the sun and drink plenty of boiled water when doing outdoor activities," he told reporters after launching the Kinta Indian Association Hall here on Sunday.

On rising number of dengue cases, he said public awareness on cleanliness while local councils should take measures to ensure that public and housing areas were free of Aedes breeding grounds.

In the first two months of this year alone, dengue fever had claimed 38 lives compared to eight deaths in the corresponding period last year.