Air Pollution in Malaysia Worsens Due to Smog and Burning

Malaysia Confronts Two Environmental Hazards

PETALING JAYA: Malaysians are now dealing with a double health threat—the return of haze and high Ultraviolet Radiation Index (UVI) levels—but climate experts warn that haze poses the greater danger.

Haze Poses Greater Health Danger Than UV

Senior lecturer Dr. Chung Jing Xiang from Universiti Malaysia Terengganu’s Faculty of Marine Sciences and Environment explained that although both UV radiation and haze can harm health, the haze issue is more severe.

He pointed out that breathing in polluted air has a more immediate impact than the skin-related risks of UV exposure.

“Our region’s proximity to the equator results in high UVI levels, as we receive direct sunlight almost year-round; however, haze poses a more serious threat, leading to respiratory issues,” said Dr. Chung.

He described haze as a cloud of fine pollutant particles, commonly referred to as Particulate Matter (PM), that can harm the lungs and limit light penetration in the atmosphere.

“These particles have the capacity to scatter ultraviolet (UV) light, resulting in reduced light reaching the atmosphere where people are located,” he said.

Haze Acts Like Murky Water—Reducing UV Light

Dr. Chung compared the haze effect to conditions underwater:

“You can liken it to diving in the ocean. If the water is murky, then less light will penetrate the ocean floor.”

He clarified that haze limits how much air, sunlight, and UV radiation reaches the Earth’s surface.

“Consequently, this indicates that ultraviolet (UV) radiation is also diminished, as UV is a form of ‘light,’” he said.

This effect may make outdoor activities seem safer, but Dr. Chung urged the public not to overlook the danger.

“While it is pleasant to be outdoors without the risk of sunburn from elevated UV rays, he advises people to prioritize their health by steering clear of poor air quality.”

Cleaner Air = Higher UV, Hazy Air = Lower UV (But Worse Health Impact)

Dr. Chung also highlighted an important trade-off in environmental conditions.

“A high UVI often correlates with a low (good) Air Quality Index (AQI), and vice versa, highlighting a trade-off where cleaner air means higher UV exposure, and hazy conditions (lower UV) mean poor air quality.”

This means Malaysians may face increased sun-related risks on clear days and health risks from haze on cloudy or smoggy days.

UV Risk Also Varies With Time and Weather

Climatologist Prof. Datuk Dr. Azizan Abu Samah from the National Antarctica Research Centre explained that UV radiation usually peaks around midday and fluctuates based on cloud cover.

“Thick clouds can reflect much of the sun’s radiation back into the atmosphere, reducing UV exposure to the ground where people are,” he said.

“Being in the tropics, UV levels are generally higher than in temperate countries like Europe,” he added, referring to high UV levels recorded in Kota Kinabalu.

He reminded the public that even cloudy weather in tropical areas doesn’t fully eliminate UV exposure risk.

UVI Reaches Extreme Levels in Sabah

According to the Malaysian Meteorological Department (MetMalaysia) website, Kota Kinabalu experienced an extremely high UVI of 13 yesterday, especially between noon and 1pm.

MetMalaysia’s director-general, Dr. Mohd Hisham Mohd Anip, also confirmed:

“The UV intensity in Malaysia is generally highest during the months of December, January, and February.”

This underscores the need for constant awareness throughout the year, particularly during these peak months when UV radiation rises even further.

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