KUCHING, Sept 8: Parti Keadilan Rakyat (PKR) National Women vice-chief Voon Shiak Ni calls on hospitals and clinics to be well-prepared to meet the challenges brought about by haze.
She believed that hospitals and clinics in Sarawak will meet the challenge of increasing number of patients with respiratory related illnesses.
“The congestion in hospitals will worsen and we acknowledge that it will be taxing days for all medical staff,” she said in a press statement today.
On that note, Voon recorded her highest appreciation to the medical staff for their tireless efforts in coping with the needs in this time of emergency, while advising the public to also play their part.
“The public are advised to take care of themselves to stay indoors to reduce their health risks like respiratory problems, chest discomfort, shortness of breath, cough and asthma,” she said.
She said the whole of Sarawak has been hit by haze for the last several days, where some major cities like Kuching, Samarahan and Sri Aman recorded some of the highest air pollution index (API) readings to date.
As of 2pm, API reading for Kuching was at a very unhealthy 223, Samarahan at 199 and Sri Aman 241.
“In 2015, in the same month of September, Sarawak was also badly hit by haze and flights and ferry services were disrupted due to low visibility .
“Today, the API recorded are higher than 2015 in some places and is alarming. The hazy days in Sarawak may not be over so soon with the spreading of the raging forest fires in Kalimantan.
She said all Sarawakians needed to be put on high alert on health risks caused by haze while at the same time, made all preparations to weather this hazardous situation. — DayakDaily
