People in Miri, Sarawak are advised to reduce physical activities outside the house and wear a face mask to avoid haze-related health effects.

They are also advised to drink a lot of water and to wash their face and hands with soap and water after engaging in outside activities.

Health director-general Dr Hasan Abdul Rahman said those who have cough, colds, asthma, eyesore and chronic lung infection should seek immediate treatment.

He said monitoring at the Tudan and Miri health clinics showed a slight increase in haze-related illnesses.

The Health Ministry with the cooperation of the Department of Environment has been monitoring the haze situation in Sarawak since June 21 when the Air Pollutant Index reading in Miri reached 164 last Sunday, following the peat fire outbreak on 12 hectares of land in Permai Jaya, causing poor air quality.

For more information on measures to avoid haze-related health problems, the public can visit the Health Ministry's website at http://www.moh.gov.my/v/jerebu.

- Bernama