Haze drives asthma cases up 259% in two weeks
Health Minister Datuk Seri Dr Dzulkefly Ahmad said asthma cases rose 259% to 219 and upper respiratory infections climbed 124% to 3,674 between epidemiological weeks 32 and 33.
Source: The Star Malaysia · August 24, 2026 at 3:31 AM · AI-assisted report
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KUALA LUMPUR, 24 AUGUST 2026 —
Health Minister Datuk Seri Dr Dzulkefly Ahmad said asthma cases rose 259% to 219 and upper respiratory infections climbed 124% to 3,674 between epidemiological weeks 32 and 33.
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Conjunctivitis cases fell seven percent to 146 from 157 during the same period. He spoke after opening the Wellness Hub Kuala Selangor and K-Mindset outreach programme on Sunday.
Seven areas recorded unhealthy Air Pollutant Index readings on Sunday morning, including Serian 197, Kuching 185 and Sungai Petani 149. The Kedah Health Department advised Sungai Petani and Alor Setar residents to limit outdoor activity when the API hit 149.
It urged high-risk groups to use respiratory protection and avoid smoke. Dzulkefly also reported 90 heat-related cases between weeks 30 and 32, rising to nine in week 33.
Eight heatstroke cases involved Sukma participants in Selangor, with one hospitalised. He said the situation remained under control with active monitoring by the medical task force.