Air Pollution's Impact On Malaysia's Environment And Health

Air pollution is a pressing environmental and public health issue in Malaysia, with complex causes and far-reaching consequences. The country's rapid industrialisation and urbanisation have outpaced environmental safeguards, leading to a mix of air pollutants from industrial emissions, vehicular exhaust, and transboundary smoke. Malaysia's geographical position also makes it susceptible to seasonal haze, primarily from neighbouring Indonesia's agricultural burning and forest fires. The health implications of air pollution in Malaysia are profound, with respiratory and cardiovascular diseases being the leading causes of death in the country. The economic cost of air pollution is substantial, with an estimated 32,000 avoidable deaths and an economic loss of MYR 303 billion (US$73 billion) annually. Addressing air pollution in Malaysia requires a comprehensive approach involving stringent emission standards, a shift to renewable energy sources, improved waste management, and regional cooperation to tackle transboundary haze.

Haze from neighbouring countries

The annual dry season, combined with the El Niño weather phenomenon, exacerbates the risk of fires and haze. During the southwest monsoon, from June to September, the equatorial Southeast Asia region experiences a dry season, increasing the number of fire events. The prevailing southerly and south-westerly winds carry smoke and pollutants from burning areas in Sumatra and Kalimantan, Indonesia, to Peninsular Malaysia and Malaysian Borneo, respectively. The dry periods caused by the El Niño-Southern Oscillation (ENSO) prolong the duration of poor air quality associated with haze.

The haze from neighbouring countries is not a new phenomenon, as it was first recorded in 1982 when regional haze from biomass burning disrupted daily life in Malaysia. Since then, several haze episodes have been recorded, with severe events where particulate matter concentrations far exceeded the Malaysian Air Quality Guideline. The peatland area in Southeast Asia covers about 26 million hectares, mostly near the coast, and has been subject to large-scale deforestation and drainage, leading to fires that are a significant source of haze.

The impact of haze on human health is significant. Haze episodes have been linked to a 19% increase in respiratory mortality and have contributed to hospital visits for chronic obstructive pulmonary diseases, upper respiratory infections, asthma, and rhinitis. Children and senior citizens are more vulnerable to the health impacts of haze. The economic cost of haze is also substantial, with almost all sectors experiencing losses, particularly agriculture and tourism.

To address the issue of haze from neighbouring countries, Malaysia can work with its regional partners to find solutions. Transparency and accountability are crucial, with law enforcement playing a vital role in holding companies responsible for unsustainable practices that contribute to deforestation, forest fires, and peatland destruction. Additionally, improving forecasting capabilities can help reduce response times to burning events and mitigate the impacts of haze.

Vehicular emissions

A study on motor vehicle emissions in Kuala Lumpur found that emissions of particulate matter (PM10) from exhaust sources were 1,029,883 kg, while non-exhaust sources contributed 1,573,539 kg. Emissions from newly registered private cars were the most dominant, followed by motorcycles. Private cars also emitted significant amounts of carbon monoxide and nitrogen oxides.

The transportation sector's high fuel consumption contributes to air pollution, with about 48 million barrels of oil consumed daily by over 1.5 billion motor vehicles globally. Incomplete combustion processes in vehicle engines release pollutants such as carbon monoxide, sulphur dioxide, nitrogen oxides, volatile organic compounds, and particulate matter.

The impact of vehicular emissions on air quality is particularly notable during peak hours and in congested traffic situations. Minimum speed limits, stop-and-go traffic, individual driving patterns, vehicle types, road surface characteristics, and traffic conditions all influence emission rates.

To mitigate vehicular emissions, Malaysia should implement strategies such as stricter emission standards for vehicles, improved public transportation systems, and incentives for electric or hybrid vehicles. These measures will help reduce the number of vehicles on the road and lower emissions from the transportation sector, improving air quality and human health.

Industrial emissions

Malaysia's air pollution crisis is caused by a combination of factors, with industrial emissions being a significant contributor. The industrial sector, a cornerstone of Malaysia's economy, emits various pollutants, including particulate matter, sulphur dioxide, and nitrogen oxides. These emissions are particularly prevalent in industrial hubs such as Penang and Johor Bahru.

Factories, particularly those involved in manufacturing and processing, release harmful substances into the atmosphere. This has led to a degradation of the environment and severe health consequences for the population. The impact of industrial emissions on air quality in Malaysia is profound, and it is crucial to address this issue to improve the country's overall air quality.

• Polluting Emissions: Industrial facilities, especially those engaged in manufacturing and processing, release pollutants such as particulate matter, sulphur dioxide, and nitrogen oxides. These emissions contribute to the formation of smog and haze, reducing air quality.
• Health Hazards: The health implications of exposure to industrial emissions are severe. Particulate matter, such as PM2.5, can penetrate deep into the lungs and even enter the bloodstream, causing respiratory and cardiovascular issues, including asthma, chronic bronchitis, and heart disease.
• Economic Impact: The economic costs associated with industrial air pollution are significant. The annual economic cost of ambient air pollution in Malaysia is estimated at MYR 303 billion (approximately US$73 billion), which is around 20% of the country's GDP. These costs include healthcare expenditures, medical treatments, and losses in economic productivity due to premature deaths and absenteeism.
• Environmental Degradation: Industrial emissions contribute to the degradation of the environment, including air and water pollution, and the contamination of natural resources. This has negative repercussions on ecosystems, agricultural crops, and forest species.
• Geographical Impact: The impact of industrial emissions on air quality varies across Malaysia. Urban and industrialised regions, such as Kuala Lumpur, Penang, and Johor Bahru, tend to experience higher levels of air pollution due to the concentration of factories and industrial activities.
• Policy Response: The Malaysian government has implemented measures to address industrial emissions, including stricter emission standards and the promotion of cleaner energy sources. However, more ambitious targets and policies are needed to align with the World Health Organization's (WHO) guidelines and achieve significant improvements in air quality.
• International Cooperation: Transboundary haze, influenced by industrial activities and forest fires in neighbouring countries, significantly affects Malaysia's air quality. Regional cooperation and collaborative agreements, such as the ASEAN Agreement on Transboundary Haze Pollution, are essential to effectively tackle this issue.
• Clean Technologies: Encouraging the development and adoption of environmentally friendly industrial processes and clean technologies can play a crucial role in reducing industrial emissions. This includes investing in research and innovation to create sustainable solutions.
• Monitoring and Transparency: Malaysia has established an extensive air quality monitoring network, providing real-time data on pollution levels. This transparency empowers individuals to make informed decisions to protect their health and well-being.
• Public Health Focus: It is crucial to strengthen public health and ecosystem health as key objectives in Malaysia's air quality governance framework. This includes considering the economic cost of inadequate air quality standards and the potential savings from improved air quality.

In conclusion, industrial emissions are a significant contributor to air pollution in Malaysia, impacting the environment, public health, and the economy. Addressing this issue requires a comprehensive approach that includes stricter emission standards, the adoption of cleaner technologies, regional collaboration, and a strong focus on public health and environmental sustainability.

Open burning and agricultural practices

Malaysia's geographical position makes it susceptible to the seasonal haze, a challenge shared with other Southeast Asian nations. This haze is caused by forest fires and agricultural burning, predominantly in Indonesia. Malaysian companies contribute to and benefit from the root cause of this issue—peatland burning in Indonesia. The seasonal haze results in a blanket of smoke across the region, carrying a mix of gases and particulate matter that poses health risks and reduces visibility.

To address open burning and agricultural practices, Malaysia has implemented measures such as establishing the Haze Action Plan and promoting sustainable agricultural practices. Additionally, the country has taken steps to improve its air quality monitoring network, which is currently one of the best in Southeast Asia.

Construction activities

One of the main sources of air pollution from construction is the use of heavy machinery and vehicles on-site. This includes bulldozers, excavators, cranes, and cement mixers, which often run on diesel engines and release harmful gases such as carbon monoxide, carbon dioxide, nitrogen oxides, and hydrocarbons into the atmosphere. The lack of proper emission control systems on these vehicles makes their emissions particularly concerning for the environment.

In addition to vehicle emissions, construction activities generate large amounts of dust from land clearing, demolition, and the use of materials such as cement, concrete, silica, and wood. This dust, known as PM10, is invisible to the naked eye but can penetrate deep into the lungs, causing respiratory issues and other health problems for construction workers and nearby residents.

The use of hazardous chemicals on construction sites, such as paints, glues, oils, thinners, and plastics, also contributes to air pollution. These chemicals release noxious vapours that can have negative health effects on those exposed.

The energy usage at construction sites is another factor in air pollution. The construction industry is a significant energy consumer, and energy production is known to cause air pollution.

To mitigate the impact of construction activities on air quality, it is crucial to implement precautionary measures and pollution prevention strategies. This includes adopting new technologies with better emission control systems, using hybrid machinery, improving waste management, and enforcing stricter emission standards for construction companies. By taking these steps, Malaysia can reduce the air pollution caused by construction activities and improve the health and well-being of its citizens.

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