Sarawak Health Department Monitors Illnesses As Health Facilities Remain Fully Equipped
KUCHING: The Sarawak Government, through the Ministry of Public Health, Housing and Local Government alongside the Sarawak Health Department, is closely monitoring the public health impact of the prevailing smoke haze across the state.
Sarawak Deputy Premier and Minister for Public Health, Housing and Local Government Datuk Amar Professor Dr. Sim Kui Hian reassured the public that Sarawak’s healthcare network remains fully prepared.
He noted that health surveillance is currently conducted across 15 sentinel health facilities state-wide, monitoring upper respiratory tract infections (URTI), asthma, and conjunctivitis.
From January to late August 2026, sentinel facilities recorded approximately 694,800 total patient visits, including 64,688 URTI cases and 6,156 asthma cases.
"Since air quality began deteriorating in early August, surveillance highlights key clinical trends including a rise in upper respiratory tract infections (URTI), whereby weekly average cases rose from 1,717 earlier in the year to 1,752 in recent weeks," he said in a statement.
"Mid-August saw a sharp increase, with the Southern Zone recording ~1,250 cases, the Central Zone exceeding 1,000 cases, and the Northern Zone peaking at nearly 400 cases.
"As for conjunctivitis, weekly average cases increased from 17 to 21 cases."
As for asthma cases, Datuk Amar Dr Sim said although Sarawak General Hospital's Emergency and Trauma Department recorded elevated daily asthma attendances on several days in August, overall asthma activity across the state remains stable without a sustained surge.
He also confirmed that current stockpiles of essential medical supplies—including 3-ply masks, N95 respirators, and oxygen cylinders—are sufficient across public facilities based on current utilization rates.
"The Ministry advises all residents to adhere to preventive measures during low air quality periods, such as limit Outdoor Activity and to stay indoors and keep doors and windows shut to block polluted air.
"Seek medical attention immediately if experiencing persistent coughing, breathing difficulties, chest tightness, or severe eye irritation.
"The public should not be unnecessarily alarmed, but neither should the health risks of prolonged exposure to poor air quality be underestimated," Datuk Amar Dr. Sim stated. - UKASnews
