Respiratory Infection Cases Surge 124% in Malaysia as Haze Worsens Air Quality

KUALA LUMPUR, AUGUST 2026 — Malaysia’s Health Ministry has reported a significant increase in respiratory illnesses as haze continues to affect several parts of the country.

Upper respiratory tract infection (URTI) cases rose by 124.4%, from 1,637 cases in the 32nd epidemiological week to 3,674 cases in the following week. Asthma cases also increased sharply by 259%, climbing from 61 to 219 cases.

Meanwhile, conjunctivitis cases recorded a slight decline, falling from 157 cases to 146.

The Health Ministry said the number of areas recording unhealthy air quality had improved, dropping from 31 areas on August 25 to 17 areas at 8am on August 27. However, haze conditions remained persistent in several parts of Sarawak.

As of 10.45am, five locations were still recording unhealthy air quality. They included Samarahan with an Air Pollutant Index (API) reading of 163, Serian at 161 and Sri Aman at 156.

Cheras in Kuala Lumpur recorded an API reading of 127, while Johan Setia in Selangor stood at 111.

The ministry said it will continue monitoring haze-related illnesses to assess the health impact on residents in affected areas.