KUALA LUMPUR, Aug. 28 (Xinhua) -- Twenty areas across Malaysia recorded unhealthy air quality on Friday as hot and dry weather persisted.
The northern Borneo state of Sarawak continues to be the worst hit, with five areas breaching the unhealthy threshold, according to data from the Air Pollutant Index Management System (APIMS).
So far, 30 schools in Lubok Antu district have been ordered to close temporarily after the API reading in the district exceeded 200, according to Deputy Education Minister Wong Kah Woh.
Outside Sarawak, 15 areas also recorded unhealthy readings, including Cheras district in the capital Kuala Lumpur.
According to the country's air quality rating, an API reading of zero to 50 is "good," 51 to 100 "moderate," 101 to 200 "unhealthy," 201 to 300 "very unhealthy," and 301 and above is "hazardous."
Meanwhile, the health ministry said in a statement that respiratory-related cases have risen sharply amid the haze affecting several areas nationwide, with acute upper respiratory tract infection (URTI) cases increasing by 124.4 percent between epidemiological week 32 and week 33 (Aug. 3 to Aug. 16). Asthma cases also increased to 158 from 61 over the same period, a rise of about 159 percent.
The ministry said it would also step up preparedness and response measures to mitigate the impact of haze on public health, including strengthening surveillance of haze-related illnesses and medical services at health facilities to ensure patients receive appropriate assessment and treatment.
It also advised members of the public in areas with unhealthy air quality, particularly young children and those with chronic respiratory and heart diseases, to avoid outdoor activities and use appropriate face masks. ■