Mercy Malaysia prepares haze emergency kits for distribution

 With the northeast monsoon approaching, Mercy Malaysia said it is preparing for possible haze-related needs in western parts of the country and elsewhere.

A Mercy Malaysia team in action. The organisation says it is expanding its haze response efforts across the nation. (Mercy Malaysia pic)

KUALA LUMPUR:

Mercy Malaysia is expanding its haze emergency response nationwide to provide public health information and practical assistance to communities affected by haze, particularly vulnerable groups.

As part of its response, the organisation has prepared haze emergency response kits containing loratadine, wet wipes, normal saline, lozenges, a KF94 face mask, a small clear pouch and a health information flyer.

“Haze is currently affecting several parts of Peninsular Malaysia, including Johor, Negeri Sembilan, Melaka, Selangor and Kuala Lumpur. Severity varies from place to place, but the risk to vulnerable groups remains,” it said in a statement today.

“Children, older persons, pregnant women and people with respiratory or heart conditions face the greatest health risks,” it said.

With the northeast monsoon approaching, Mercy Malaysia said it is preparing for possible haze-related needs in western parts of the country and elsewhere by monitoring conditions, assessing emerging needs and coordinating with relevant stakeholders.

The organisation urged federal and state authorities and relevant agencies to keep coordination strong, issue timely and clear public health advisories, support high-risk groups and speed up assistance to affected communities.

Mercy Malaysia president Dr Ahmad Faizal Mohd Perdaus said tackling haze required collective action. Cooperation among all parties was essential to ensure information, protection and assistance reached affected communities promptly. - FMT