Haze Triggers 259% Increase in Asthma Cases in Malaysia

By Danial Martinus • 24 Aug 2026 in News

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(source: Hazreen Mohamad / New Straits Times)

The recent transboundary haze that’s been enveloping several parts of the country has caused a dramatic increase in asthma and upper respiratory tract infection (URTI) cases.

According to Health Minister Datuk Seri Dr Dzulkefly Ahmad, asthma cases rose by 259% between epidemiological weeks (EW) 32 and 33, jumping from 61 to 219. URTI cases also rose by 124%.

“URTI recorded the highest number at 3,674 cases, up from 1,637, while asthma cases reached 219 compared with 61 previously. Conjunctivitis cases dropped to 146 from 157,” he said.

High-risk groups urged to exercise greater caution

It goes without saying that people in high-risk groups, such as children, the elderly, as well as people with existing asthma and other respiratory conditions, should probably minimise their time spent outdoors whenever possible.

According to Dzulkefly, seven areas in the country recorded unhealthy Air Pollutant Index (API) readings as of 8 a.m. on 23 August. The majority of those areas were in Sarawak, including Serian (197), Kuching (185), Sri Aman (178), Samarahan (176), and Sarikei (128).

Other affected areas include Sungai Petani, Kedah, and Taiping, Perak, both having recorded an API of 126.

90 heat-related illnesses have been recorded, including 71 cases of heat exhaustion, 14 of heatstroke, and five of heat cramps.

“Statistics from EW 30 to 32 showed reported cases ranged between two and three weekly. However, the latest statistics up to today (23 August) recorded nine cases, primarily involving heatstroke,” Dzulkefly said.

Worryingly, eight of the nine heatstroke cases comprised participants in the Malaysia Games in Selangor, with one requiring hospitalisation. But it’s unfortunately not a surprise, considering the outdoor nature of the event.

Despite the sudden rise in asthma and URTI cases, Dzulkefly maintains that the situation remains under control for the time being.