Malaysians urged to limit outdoor activities as haze persists

KUALA LUMPUR: Authorities in Malaysia are recommending that residents limit outdoor activities when the Air Pollutant Index (API) reaches unhealthy levels, despite air quality showing signs of improvement. Malaysian Environmental Health Practitioners Association chairman Prof Dr Jamal Hisham Hashim stated that it is too early to ascertain if the current improvement will be temporary.

He emphasized that reducing outdoor physical exertion during periods of unhealthy air quality can help minimize exposure to pollutants caused by the haze. The public is advised to consume ample water, keep windows and doors shut, utilize air purifiers equipped with HEPA filters indoors, and wear N95 masks while venturing outside during days with poor air quality.

Individuals with pre-existing health conditions such as asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, heart disease, and diabetes should closely monitor their health and avoid unnecessary or prolonged exposure to the haze. They should seek immediate medical attention if they experience breathing difficulties, persistent cough, chest pain, or eye irritation.

Jamal informed the New Straits Times that the ongoing haze affecting Sarawak and the west coast of Peninsular Malaysia is primarily transboundary, with smoke from Kalimantan and Sumatra being carried by prevailing winds. As long as these transboundary sources are not addressed, the haze conditions in Malaysia are not anticipated to dissipate.

While regional efforts at the Asean level may have some impact on managing the haze once it has occurred, they are limited in their ability to prevent haze from emerging in the first place. The source mentioned that the El Nino phenomenon, which was known to be developing in early this year, has not been sufficient in preventing the fires in Indonesia.

Currently, only four areas recorded unhealthy API readings as of 6pm today. According to data from the Malaysian Air Pollutant Index Management System, Sri Aman in Sarawak recorded the highest reading at 157, followed by Putrajaya at 131 and Nilai in Negeri Sembilan at 126. Batu Muda in Kuala Lumpur recorded an API reading of 115.