Smoke-hit thousands choke wards
Health Minister Chua Jui Meng said yesterday there had been a 'significant rise' in cases of respiratory illnesses at the Kuala Lumpur Hospital as a result of the smoke haze enveloping the country.
He said there was a surge in cases from September 1 and 15 when the air quality in the capital fell sharply.
Some 2,747 adults and 3,795 children were treated for upper respiratory tract infection cases, 381 adults and 728 children for asthma-related illnesses and 161 adults and 358 children for conjunctivitis.
The trend was repeated in private hospitals, the minister added.
Meanwhile, Indonesia has added 126 firms to the initial 50 accused of illegally using fire to clear land, fuelling the smoke which has plagued the region for months.
Yesterday, Singapore registered its lowest air quality this year.
