Protected: People wearing face masks while shopping for Hari Raya on a hot and hazy day in Kuala Lumpur. — AZHAR MAHFOF/ The Star
AYER HITAM: It would be wise for people, especially those with respiratory problems, to mask up against the double whammy of haze and Covid-19, says Johor’s health committee chairman.
Ling Tian Soon (pic, left) said while there was no significant rise in hospitalisations in the past few days, the public should not let up on their precautionary measures.
“The state Health Department is on high alert and has instructed all government hospitals to be ready for a possible increase in patients due to the haze.
“In Johor, only Segamat has recorded unhealthy Air Pollutant Index (API) readings in the past few days, but we want to remain vigilant,” he said when asked to comment yesterday.
Ling, also the Yong Peng assemblyman, earlier attended a Hari Raya Aidilfitri aid distribution programme for mosques, surau and the less fortunate with Ayer Hitam MP Datuk Seri Dr Wee Ka Siong.
On Sunday, Health Minister Dr Zaliha Mustafa posted a TikTok video showing the hazy conditions in Sekijang, Segamat, where visibility was less than 200m.
Meanwhile, asked whether Hospital Segamat was ready to cater to the number of patients in the event that the haze worsens, Ling said the hospital launched its new wing last month.
“The wing, which includes an emergency and trauma department, should be able to meet patient demand as the medical staff have familiarised themselves with the new equipment and environment.
“Only if the patient needs specialist treatment will they be referred to Hospital Muar,” he added.
With Singapore seeing an increase in daily Covid-19 infections from about 1,400 a month ago to about 4,000 cases a day last week, Ling also advised people to cut down on outdoor activities and wear a mask when they go to crowded places.
“One can never be too careful in view of the newer Covid-19 sub-lineages including XBB.1.16 (also called Arcturus) recently detected in several countries.
“Those who have respiratory problems or are from vulnerable groups are advised to mask up,” he added.
