Fomca advises public to limit outdoor activities amid haze

KUALA LUMPUR - The Federation of Malaysian Consumers Associations (Fomca) has urged the public to limit outdoor activities and strenuous exercise when air quality reaches unhealthy levels due to continuing haze. Haze is a significant concern not just for visibility but for the quality of the air that millions breathe daily, according to Fomca CEO Dr T. Saravanan, as reported by the New Straits Times.

Saravanan emphasized that schools, childcare centers, and organizers of outdoor programs should heed official advisories, prioritizing health and safety over planned activities. Employers also bear responsibility for protecting workers, urging appropriate safeguards and reasonable work adjustments for those spending extended hours outdoors, such as construction workers, delivery riders, security personnel, and cleaners.

The Fomca's message to Malaysians is straightforward: constantly monitor the Air Pollutant Index (API), minimize exposure, safeguard vulnerable family members, and be prepared for the possibility of prolonged haze. Haze has impacted numerous regions of the country since early August, primarily due to transboundary smoke from forest and peatland fires in Indonesia contributing to degraded air quality.