Johor:Monitoring of haze-related illnesses in Johor, including asthma, upper respiratory tract infections (URTI), and conjunctivitis, from January to September revealed fluctuating trends.

According to BERNAMA News Agency, Deputy Health Minister Datuk Hanifah Hajar Taib reported that daily monitoring was conducted through eight sentinel clinics, including Larkin Health Clinic, Pasir Gudang Clinic, Bandar Putra Clinic, and Parit Sulong Clinic. Additional clinics involved were Paya Mas Clinic, Penawar Clinic, Pengerang Clinic, and Mengkibol Clinic, with Pasir Gudang Hospital serving as the sentinel hospital.

In September, asthma cases in hospitals decreased by 36.7% compared to the monthly average, and health clinic cases saw an 18.6% decline. URTI cases at health clinics dropped by 7.8%, whereas conjunctivitis cases at sentinel clinics increased by 24.5% over the monthly average.

The Johor State Health Department has been implementing initiatives such as health surveillance, monitoring, and ensuring health facilities' preparedness, along with risk communication, health promotion, air quality monitoring, risk assessment, and response coordination.

Hanifah Hajar advised high-risk groups, including children, the elderly, pregnant women, and individuals with chronic illnesses, to limit outdoor activities, wear face masks, and stay hydrated. She also recommended seeking medical attention for symptoms like coughing, shortness of breath, or eye irritation and staying informed about air quality updates.

At a recent event, Hanifah Hajar emphasized the importance of mental health awareness, advocating for a healthy work culture, social support, and effective communication. She noted the need to eliminate the stigma around seeking mental health assistance and ensure access to appropriate services for those in need.