Malaysia's Health Ministry distributing anti-smog masks
The Health Ministry has begun distributing anti-smog masks at schools, shopping malls and government offices as air quality declined in Selangor, Putrajaya and Kuala Lumpur.
The Star/Asia News Network
Wednesday, Jun 26, 2013
KUALA LUMPUR: The Health Ministry has begun to distribute anti-smog masks to the public as the air quality had declined in Selangor, Putrajaya and Kuala Lumpur.
"Masks have been distributed in schools, shopping malls and government offices," said Health Minister Datuk Seri Dr S. Subramaniam.
He also added that the ministry had prepared one million masks to be distributed in seriously affected areas.
The masks would also be given out to clinics in these affected areas, he told a press conference here yesterday.
"Although there is a short supply for certain types of masks, generally, there is enough supply for most types of masks," Dr Subramaniam said.
He added that the ministry would look into cases of shortage at pharmacies.
All 3,000 government clinics nationwide will be monitoring the situation.
On the retail price of masks, Dr Subramaniam said the Domestic Trade, Cooperatives and Consumerism Ministry informed his ministry on Monday that the prices were controlled and consumers could lodge reports of over-charging.
Regarding people becoming sick because of the haze, Dr Subramaniam said Johor had a 122 per cent increase in asthmatic cases and 40 per cent increase in upper respiratory tract infections last week.
