Perak: The Perak State Health Department (JKN) is actively conducting surveillance of diseases associated with haze through designated facilities, as several areas in the state have reported moderate Air Pollution Index (API) readings. Perak Human Resources, Health, Indian Community Affairs and National Integration Committee Chairman, Datuk A. Sivanesan, emphasized that the monitoring efforts cover cases including asthma, upper respiratory tract infections (URTI), and conjunctivitis.
According to BERNAMA News Agency, Sivanesan highlighted that acute asthma attacks presenting at emergency departments and hospital admissions due to asthma are under close observation. 'If the API reading escalates to unhealthy levels (101-200), public health actions will be intensified as per the Ministry of Health's Haze Health Management Action Plan," he stated. This includes enhanced disease surveillance and ensuring the readiness of health facilities with sufficient supplies of medicines, equipment, and personal protective gear.
Sivanesan further mentioned that the Perak Health Department is collaborating with relevant agencies to monitor the haze situation and ensure timely dissemination of information and health advice to the public. Continuous monitoring is crucial as air quality readings can fluctuate based on weather conditions, wind direction, and pollution sources.
To mitigate the risk of haze-related diseases, Sivanesan advised the public to adopt preventive measures like minimizing outdoor activities, wearing face masks, staying hydrated, and avoiding open burning. He also recommended washing exposed skin after being outdoors, using air conditioning with internal air cycle mode in vehicles, and seeking early treatment if conditions worsen while keeping track of API readings.
He emphasized the importance of high-risk groups, including children, the elderly, pregnant women, and asthma sufferers, adhering to medical advice and being prepared to evacuate if haze levels become hazardous. Sivanesan assured that JKN Perak will maintain vigilance over the situation and continue to strengthen communication of health advice to prevent adverse incidents.
Data from the Air Pollutant Index Management System (APIMS) portal as of 5 pm indicated that five areas in Perak recorded moderate air quality, with Taiping registering the highest API reading of 86, followed by Tanjong Malim and Tasek Ipoh at 85 each, Seri Manjung at 79, and Pegoh Ipoh at 76.