World · Malaysia Bureau
Health ministry urges masks, reduced outdoor time as haze worsens
Malaysia's health authorities have advised the public to wear N95 masks and limit outdoor activities as haze conditions deteriorate across the country. The ministry cautioned that air quality has reached unhealthy levels in several regions.
LSN Malaysia ·
PUTRAJAYA — The Ministry of Health has issued fresh guidance for Malaysians to protect themselves against deteriorating air quality, recommending N95 face masks for anyone venturing outdoors during the current haze episode.
The ministry advised the public to minimise outdoor activities where possible, particularly for vulnerable groups including children, the elderly, and those with respiratory or cardiovascular conditions. Officials emphasised that N95 masks provide the most effective protection when outdoor exposure cannot be avoided.
The haze blanketing Malaysia has resulted in unhealthy air quality readings across multiple locations, prompting the health alert. The ministry stressed the importance of monitoring air quality indices in individual areas and adjusting outdoor plans accordingly.
Residents are also encouraged to maintain indoor air quality by using air purifiers and keeping windows closed during peak haze periods. The health authorities recommended checking official air quality monitoring systems for real-time updates on pollution levels in their respective regions.
The advisory comes as haze conditions continue to affect visibility and air quality across South and Southeast Asia during the region's seasonal change.