KUCHING: The Sarawak Government through the Ministry for Public Health, Housing and Local Government (MHLPG) and the Sarawak Health Department continue to closely monitor the health effects of the deterioration of air quality due to haze throughout the state.

Sarawak Deputy Premier Datuk Amar Professor Dr Sim Kui Hian said that health facilities throughout Sarawak are prepared to handle any increase in cases related to the effects of the haze, with sufficient supplies of medicines and medical equipment based on current usage.

"I want to assure the public that Sarawak's health facilities are ready and adequate.

"The current stock of essential medicines and medical supplies, including three-ply face masks, N95 face masks and oxygen tanks, is sufficient based on current usage," he said in a media statement on Monday.

The MPHLG Minister also added that cases of acute upper respiratory tract infection (URTI) and conjunctivitis showed an increase following the deterioration of air quality due to haze in Sarawak since the beginning of August.

However, he said that health monitoring found that asthma flare-up throughout the state was still at a stable level.

He revealed that the average number of URTI cases increased from about 1,717 cases per week at the beginning of the year to 1,752 cases per week in recent weeks, while conjunctivitis cases increased from about 17 to 21 cases per week.

According to him, the latest URTI cases increased significantly in mid-August, with the South Zone recording about 1,250 cases, the Central Zone over 1,000 cases and the North Zone recording a peak of nearly 400 cases.

Datuk Amar Dr Sim added that Sarawak General Hospital's Emergency and Trauma Department recorded an increase in the presence of asthma patients on several days in August, but there was no significant continuous increase in cases.

In the meantime, he urged high-risk groups such as children and babies, the elderly, pregnant women, individuals with respiratory or cardiovascular problems and those working outside to take extra precautions when the air quality deteriorates.

He advised the public to reduce physical activity and postpone outdoor recreational and sports activities, particularly when the air quality is at a bad level.

"The general public should not be overly concerned, but the health risks of prolonged exposure to poor air quality should not be underestimated.

"The Sarawak Government together with the Sarawak Health Department and related agencies will continue to closely monitor the situation and strengthen actions based on the current air quality and health monitoring results.

"I also urge the public to get information and health advice from official sources and take appropriate preventive measures when the air quality deteriorates," he explained. -UKASnews