What specific health costs did Malaysia incur from the 2013 haze?

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Malaysia Incurred RM1.57 Billion in Healthcare and Lost Income Opportunities Due to the 2013 Haze

Malaysia suffered an estimated RM1.57 billion in healthcare costs and lost income opportunities in 2013 as a direct consequence of smoke originating from Indonesian forest fires. This figure, detailed in a research paper by Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia (UKM), encompasses a range of expenditures including medical treatment, hospitalisation, and productivity losses stemming from illness-related absences. The study examined data from previous haze events in 1997, 2005, and 2013, highlighting the significant economic and health repercussions for Malaysia.
Healthcare and Production Losses Estimated at RM410.6 Million

The UKM study specifically estimated healthcare losses amounting to RM410.6 million. This sum accounts for the direct costs associated with medical treatment and hospitalisation for smoke-related illnesses. Furthermore, it includes production losses resulting from employees taking medical leave, impacting overall economic output.
Mask Procurement Added Nearly RM20 Million to Government Expenses

Beyond direct medical care and lost workdays, the Malaysian government incurred substantial costs for public health measures. The procurement of air pollution masks alone represented an expenditure of nearly RM20 million in 2013. This measure was implemented to provide a degree of protection for the public against the hazardous air quality.
Direct Illness and Lost Income Constituted the Largest Portion of Costs

The most significant components of the total RM1.57 billion bill in 2013 were attributed to smoke-related illnesses, the costs associated with medical leave, and the loss of income opportunities for affected individuals. Together, these factors accounted for approximately two-thirds of the total economic impact, amounting to RM958 million. This underscores the broad economic disruption caused by the haze beyond immediate healthcare expenses.

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What specific health costs did Malaysia incur from the 2013 haze?

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