BANDAR SERI BEGAWAN (Bernama) - The recurrence of the haze is expected to see a surge in the Influenza A (H1N1) cases reported in Malaysia unless proactive measures are taken to curb persistent local transmission, Health Minister Datuk Seri Liow Tiong Lai said yesterday.

The death toll due to Influenza A(H1N1) in Malaysia rose to 12 with four deaths yesterday, including three children.

He said the haze, which affects those suffering from upper respiratory illnesses, would complicate matters, especially for asthmatic patients as the H1N1 virus was known to attack the lung cells directly causing serious pneumonia and fatality.

"I agree that the haze recurrence will complicate H1N1 cases for which the antiviral drug, Tamiflu, is only effective on the onset during the first 48 hours," he told Malaysian journalists after attending the 13th annual consultations between Malaysia and Brunei led by His Majesty the Sultan and Yang Di- Pertuan of Brunei Darussalam and Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak.

During the meeting which agreed on the need to work closely in addressing the current global H1N1 pandemic, Liow also met with Brunei Health Minister Pehin Dato Awg Hj Suyoi Osman to exchange views on ways to contain its spread within the communities.