All across the globe, it seems that no one is breathing easy. In fact, the World Health Organisation (WHO) estimates that 99 per cent of the global population breathes air that contains high levels of pollutants. With polluted air leading to increased health risks and even deaths, becoming the second leading cause of non-communicable diseases (NCDs) globally after tobacco, it’s imperative that everyone must play a part in literally clearing the air.

Malaysia in particular is a country that has battled air pollution for a long time, and while we’ve come a long way from it being enough of a problem to prompt a state of emergency declaration — back in 2005 when our Air Pollution Index (API) exceeded 500 — we still have a long way to go, as our API readings still aren’t particularly healthy.

In addition, our recent monsoon season has seen a lot of trees not only being naturally uprooted, but also cut down for safety purposes. While that removes risk in one way, the lack of greenery in both agricultural and urban areas also contributes to increased air pollution as a whole due to the uptick in carbon dioxide emissions.

So what are the main causes of air pollution in Malaysia? How can we not only fight it at its source but also make moves to breathe clean air in our own homes?

The hazy origins of air pollution

There are three main causes of air pollution in Malaysia. Firstly, forest and peatland fires are a major contributor to hazy weather, with 22,000 open burning incidents reported in 2021 alone; the agricultural sector, peatlands, and both legal and illegal landfills are all listed as primary hotspots for open burning between 2020 and 2023.

Next, our commutes have a massive impact on air quality. Malaysia’s urban areas have consistently recorded the highest levels of air pollution compared to non-urban areas, which has inevitably been impacted by the growing number of vehicles on our nation’s roads leading to a massively increased output of exhaust gas.

Also Read: Smarter Cities will help, but not solve, global pollution crisis

Furthermore, air pollution is also caused by industrial activities, with pollutant emissions coming heavily from the energy, waste, and industrial processing sectors burning fossil fuels in mass quantities, which include coal, natural gas and oil.

With these massive sources of air pollution, what can Malaysians do to combat this issue on both a micro and macro level?

A variety of pollution solutions

Knowing all this, it’s clear that Malaysians need to take targeted actions at multiple levels. Firstly, to address haze caused by open burning, increased monitoring through satellite technology and patrols could help detect and control fires swiftly; and while strict enforcement and penalties for illegal burning could serve as strong deterrents, providing farmers with alternatives — like composting and crop rotation — is also crucial to reduce their need for open burning.

Meanwhile, the increase in vehicle emissions could be managed by investing in public transport systems that are reliable, affordable, and convenient, as well as promoting carpooling initiatives and developing pedestrian-friendly walkways. Of course, there’s also the need to create better infrastructure to better accommodate both electric vehicles (EVs) and hybrids, making those more environmentally-friendly options more accessible.

Also Read: Is Singapore ready for the EV revolution?

Looking at industrial emissions, enforcing strict emission standards that are backed by regular inspections and fines would hopefully hold industries accountable for their environmental impact.

Additionally, with the upcoming Budget 2025 predicted to be greener overall, ideally there can be governmental funds dedicated to streamlining and speeding up the adoption of more energy-efficient technologies and implementing energy management systems, which not only reduce air pollution but can also cut operational costs.

At the individual level, Malaysians can contribute by reducing, reusing, and recycling waste, which helps lower landfill use and reduces the need for burning. For indoor air, installing air purifiers would also contribute to healthier breathing in general, with multiple levels of filtration that accounts for all manner of allergens, pathogens, and other harmful particles.

All in all, by combining policy changes, sustainable practices, and personal responsibility, Malaysians can work towards cleaner air, healthier living, and a more sustainable future for everyone.

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