Malaysian Health Minister downplays smoke haze threat

Malaysia's Health Minister Dr Chua Soi Lek has downplayed concerns about the effects of air pollution shrouding parts of the country.
A state of emergency has been declared in parts of Malaysia after a smoke haze caused by forest fires on the neighbouring Indonesia island of Sumatra, drove air pollution to hazardous levels.
The smog has led to a increase in the number of reported cases of asthma, respiratory tract infections and conjunctivitis.
However, Dr Chua Soi Lek says the problem is temporary.
"I will not dismiss it, but I will not say that we are terribly worried, because it is a temporary phenomenon hopefully, because of the allergy component and the dust," he said.
The smoke has pushed pollution levels dangerously high, blanketing the capital Kuala Lumpur and parts of peninsular Malaysia for more than week, disrupting airports and shipping, angering citizens and raising fears over public health.
Under the emergency measures, all work places are to remain closed except for essential services, food shops and supermarkets.
Schools are to close and citizens are advised to stay at home if possible.
The state of emergency was declared after the environment department said the air pollution index reached 529 in Port Klang, a major shipping centre, and 531 in Kuala Selangor.
A reading above above 300 is considered hazardous.
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