When the Air Turns Dark, Our Awareness Must Light Up
In mid‑July 2025, haze returned to Malaysia. The smog drifted in from peatland fires in Riau, Indonesia, cloaking parts of Peninsular Malaysia in unhealthy air for days. API readings reached over 150 in eight areas including Cheras, Alor Gajah, Nilai, Temerloh, Putrajaya and Banting, levels classified as “unhealthy”
This annual haze may feel “normal” to some. But its impacts on our health, economy, and spirit demand reflection, not complacency.
Health & Economic Toll You Need to Know
- According to Greenpeace–CREA, air pollution contributes to an estimated 32,000 premature deaths in Malaysia annually, alongside economic losses worth MYR 303 billion (20% of GDP)
- Short-term exposure to fine particles (PM2.5) can cause respiratory irritation, chest tightness, and increased vulnerability for children, elderly, and those with lung or heart conditions
- Local medical sources report rising cases of cough, bronchitis, asthma attacks, and fatigue during haze season
Schools have been closed. Parents worry. Elderly and vulnerable groups risk serious infections. As a community, we cannot treat haze as routine. It’s a crisis, spiritually, morally, and physically.
What Is Being Done (And Why It’s Not Enough)
- Malaysia, as ASEAN Chair in 2025, has committed to leading stronger action under the ASEAN Agreement on Transboundary Haze Pollution (AATHP)
- Minister Nik Nazmi Nik Ahmad has emphasized science-based diplomacy, stronger enforcement, and plans for a regional haze mitigation fund
- Environmental NGOs urge legal frameworks like a domestic Transboundary Haze Pollution Act, plus peatland restoration, corporate accountability, and zero burning policies
Yet, enforcement gaps and economic priorities continue to allow this problem to reappear each dry season. Our leaders must match words with action.
Practical Steps for You and Your Family
| What to Do | Why It Matters |
|---|---|
| Monitor API/AQI daily via MyIPU or IQAir | Know when air is unhealthy |
| Wear N95 or KF94 masks when outdoors | Protect lungs from PM2.5 |
| Use HEPA-grade air purifiers at home | Improve indoor air during haze |
| Stay hydrated and drink warm fluids | Support respiratory health |
| Avoid outdoor exercise when API >100 | Reduce inhalation of pollutants |
Also, follow government health advisories, closures, public warnings, school notices, especially when API reaches very unhealthy levels (>200)
Spiritual & Community Reflection
This is not just an environmental or health crisis, it’s a spiritual moment too.
Islam teaches that nature is a sign of Allah’s mercy, but also a cue to our accountability. The Prophet ﷺ reminded us:
“Whoever plants a tree and it produces benefit, it is charity from him.”
What kind of environment do our children inherit?
Use this haze season to reflect on stewardship (khilafah):
- Pray for rain (salat istisqa) genuinely, not superstition.
- Take small eco-actions: reduce waste, avoid burning, support green projects.
- Encourage generosity: small donations to tree planting, clean air initiatives, or haze relief efforts can matter.
✅ Final Thoughts
The haze may return every year, but submission does not require resignation. We can respond with wisdom, compassion, and justice, in our homes, communities, and leadership.
Pray. Protect yourself. Act. Advocate.
Our faith calls us to breathe justice, even when skies are dark.
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