SIBU, Sept 1 — The Ministry of Health (MOH) is monitoring the increase in cases of acute respiratory tract infections (URTI) and conjunctivitis in Sarawak following the haze conditions affecting several areas in the state.

Deputy Health Minister Datuk Hanifah Hajar Taib said continuous monitoring is being carried out through health facilities including health clinics and hospitals to ensure that any increase in cases related to the haze can be dealt with immediately.

She said based on monitoring by the Sarawak State Health Department (JKN), the average URTI cases increased from about 1,717 cases per week at the beginning of the year to 1,752 cases per week recently.

JAKARTA, Sept 1 — Pollutants from fires in Indonesia’s Sumatra and Kalimantan are continuing to move towards the Strait of Malacca and Natuna Sea, and potentially towards Malaysia, Singapore and Brunei, according to a forecast presented by Indonesian authorities on Tuesday.

The forecast by Indonesia’s Meteorology, Climatology and Geophysics Agency (BMKG) came as fire spots declined sharply across priority provinces in Kalimantan and remained relatively low in Sumatra on Tuesday, although severe air pollution persisted in parts of both islands.

National Disaster Mitigation Agency (BNPB) Acting Head of Data, Information and Disaster Communication Centre Berton Panjaitan said Central Kalimantan recorded the highest number at 63, down from 72 a day earlier, while West Kalimantan fell to 30 from 104 and South Kalimantan to 13 from 55.

KOTA KINABALU (Sept 1): Sabahans, particularly vulnerable groups and those involved in outdoor activities, have been urged to exercise caution as several areas in the state recorded unhealthy Air Pollutant Index (API) readings.

Minister of Youth Development, Sports Advancement and Creative Economy (MYSpaCE) Datuk Nizam Abu Bakar Titingan said the State Department of Environment (DOE) had attributed the deterioration, among other factors, to thick smoke from forest and peat fires in Kalimantan carried by winds across Borneo, including Sabah.

According to DOE readings, several areas including Tawau, Semporna and Kota Kinabalu had recorded unhealthy API levels.

Nizam said the readings could fluctuate depending on weather conditions and wind movement.

“I would like to advise the public, especially children, youths, senior citizens, as well as those with health and respiratory problems, to reduce physical and outdoor activities if air quality reaches unhealthy levels,” he said in a statement on Tuesday.

Nizam also called on sports associations, academies, clubs, coaches and programme organisers to closely monitor API readings in their respective areas and make appropriate adjustments to training and outdoor activities.

“The health and safety of athletes, players and participants must remain the priority,” he said.

Nizam said high-intensity outdoor activities should be reduced, postponed or moved to suitable indoor venues if conditions were unfavourable.

He also urged the public to refrain from open burning, which could further affect air quality.

“Any incidents involving open burning or fires should be reported immediately to the authorities so that appropriate action can be taken,” he said.

Nizam added that the state government, through the relevant agencies, would continue to monitor developments, while the DOE and other agencies were taking appropriate measures, including increased monitoring, patrols and enforcement.

Nizam also called on the members of the public to cooperate with the authorities, follow official advisories and regularly check the latest API readings through official channels.

KUALA LUMPUR: Malaysian Relief Agency (MRA) melancarkan Tabung Kemanusiaan Bencana Nepal bagi menyokong operasi bantuan kemanusiaan kepada komuniti terjejas susulan bencana banjir besar yang melanda beberapa wilayah di negara itu lalu.

Presidennya, Khairil Annuar Khalid, berkata inisiatif itu memberi keutamaan kepada keperluan asas sepanjang fasa awal kecemasan, termasuk bantuan makanan, bekalan air bersih serta keperluan berkaitan air, sanitasi dan kebersihan.

"Selain itu, ia turut merangkumi kit kebersihan, kit bayi khususnya untuk bayi dan kanak-kanak kecil, bantuan perubatan dan kesihatan serta pembinaan musolla sementara.

"Justeru, MRA menyeru rakyat Malaysia, sektor korporat, institusi, masjid dan surau, pertubuhan masyarakat sivil serta seluruh lapisan masyarakat untuk bersama-sama menyumbang kepada Tabung Kemanusiaan Bencana Nepal," katanya dalam kenyataan pada hari ini.

Dilaporkan sekurang-kurangnya 633 orang di Nepal dan China terkorban dalam bencana yang melanda pada pagi Rabu, manakala hampir 3,000 lagi termasuk ratusan warga asing masih hilang.

Kementerian Luar memaklumkan 55 rakyat Malaysia masih gagal dihubungi susulan banjir kilat dan tanah runtuh di daerah Rasuwa, Nepal, manakala keluarga mereka diberikan taklimat mengenai perkembangan usaha pencarian oleh Wisma Putra, Majlis Keselamatan Negara (MKN) serta agensi berkaitan.

Menurut Khairil Annuar, sumbangan kepada tabung itu boleh disalurkan melalui akaun rasmi MRA Berhad.

Kata beliau, pihaknya akan terus memantau perkembangan situasi dan menjalankan penilaian keperluan dengan rakan kerjasama di Nepal bagi menentukan bentuk intervensi yangbersesuaian.

"MRA menyeru rakyat Malaysia untuk bersama-sama menyatakan solidariti terhadap rakyat Nepal yang sedang melalui antara bencana paling buruk pernah melanda negara tersebut.

Khairil Annuar berkata, bencana itu telah menjejaskan kediaman, jalan raya, jambatan, sekolah, kemudahan kesihatan, kawasan pertanian serta infrastruktur hidroelektrik negara terbabit.

"Beberapa jalan utama dan jambatan turut terputus, sekali gus menyukarkan usaha menyalurkan bantuan kemanusiaan ke kawasan yang paling teruk terjejas.

"Situasi ini menyebabkan keperluan terhadap makanan, air bersih, tempat perlindungan, perkhidmatan kesihatan dan barangan keperluan asas keluarga semakin mendesak.