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PETALING JAYA: The familiar sting in the air, the reduced visibility, the feeling of a smoky veil – the haze is back in Malaysia. For many, it’s a disheartening reminder of the severe haze crisis of 2015, when the country faced some of its worst air pollution levels on record. This renewed episode raises concerns about public health, economic impact, and the ongoing challenges in tackling transboundary pollution.

Understanding the Current Situation

Recent reports indicate a worsening air quality index (AQI) across several states, particularly in the southern regions. While the exact sources are still being investigated, prevailing winds are suspected to be carrying smoke from Indonesian hotspots caused by land clearing fires. These fires are often linked to agricultural practices, particularly the clearing of land for palm oil plantations.

A Flashback to 2015: Lessons Learned

The 2015 haze crisis was a stark reminder of the devastating consequences of unchecked forest fires. Millions of Malaysians suffered from respiratory illnesses, schools were closed, and economic activities were disrupted. The crisis also highlighted the complexities of transboundary pollution, as the smoke originated primarily from Indonesia.

While Malaysia implemented measures to mitigate the impact, such as distributing masks and providing real-time AQI updates, the crisis exposed the need for more proactive and collaborative efforts with neighboring countries. The long-term health and economic costs were significant, underscoring the importance of prevention and sustainable land management practices.

Health Impacts and Precautions

Exposure to haze can exacerbate existing respiratory conditions like asthma and bronchitis, and increase the risk of infections. Even healthy individuals can experience eye and throat irritation, coughing, and shortness of breath.

Here's what you can do to protect yourself:

• Monitor the AQI: Stay informed about the current air quality levels through official sources like the Department of Environment (DOE) website and mobile apps.
• Limit outdoor activities: Reduce prolonged exposure to the haze, especially for vulnerable groups like children, the elderly, and individuals with respiratory illnesses.
• Wear a mask: Use a high-quality N95 mask to filter out fine particulate matter.
• Stay hydrated: Drink plenty of water to keep your respiratory system moist.
• Keep indoor air clean: Use air purifiers with HEPA filters and ensure proper ventilation.

Moving Forward: Towards a Haze-Free Future

Addressing the haze problem requires a multifaceted approach involving regional cooperation, stricter enforcement of environmental regulations, and sustainable land management practices. Malaysia can play a vital role by:

• Strengthening cross-border collaboration: Working closely with Indonesia and other ASEAN member states to prevent and control forest fires.
• Promoting sustainable agriculture: Encouraging responsible land clearing practices and supporting initiatives that reduce reliance on burning.
• Investing in early warning systems: Improving the ability to detect and predict hotspots, allowing for timely intervention.
• Raising public awareness: Educating the public about the health risks of haze and promoting preventive measures.

The return of the haze serves as a critical reminder that the fight for clean air is far from over. By learning from past experiences and embracing a collaborative, sustainable approach, Malaysia can strive towards a future free from the choking grip of haze.