ASTHMA cases have jumped more than fourfold amid the haze affecting parts of the country, with the Health Ministry also recording a rise in upper respiratory tract infections (URTI).
Health Minister Datuk Seri Dr Dzulkefly Ahmad said 219 asthma cases were reported in epidemiological week (ME) 33, up from 61 cases the week before — a 259% increase.
URTI cases also rose sharply, from 1,637 to 3,674, representing a 124% increase.
Conjunctivitis cases, meanwhile, dropped 7% from 157 to 146.
The latest figures come as seven areas recorded unhealthy Air Pollutant Index (API) readings as of 8am today.
Five were in Sarawak, with Serian recording the highest reading at 197, followed by Kuching (185), Sri Aman (178), Samarahan (176) and Sarikei (128).
Sungai Petani in Kedah and Taiping in Perak each recorded an API reading of 126.
Dzulkefly said the ministry was also keeping tabs on health problems linked to the hot weather, with 90 cases recorded so far.
These comprised 71 cases of heat exhaustion, 14 heatstroke cases and five involving heat cramps.
He said the latest epidemiological week also saw nine heatstroke cases, compared with only two to three cases recorded during each of ME 30 to 32.
Eight of the heatstroke cases involved participants in the Selangor Malaysia Games (SUKMA), although only one needed further treatment in a ward.
“However, the situation remains under control, with medical teams monitoring the cases closely,” he said.
Dzulkefly urged the public to limit exposure to the sun and remain alert to any symptoms, particularly while haze and hot weather continue.
Those experiencing symptoms should seek medical attention promptly, he added.
He was speaking to reporters after officiating the Wellness Hub Kuala Selangor and the Santuni Komuniti Minda Sejahtera (K-Mindset) programme today. August 23, 2026
