If you’ve stepped outside lately and thought, “Why does it smell like smoke?” 🧐 — You’re not alone. Since Saturday, 19 July 2025, many parts of Malaysia have been experiencing hazy skies and terrible visibility. Areas like Port Dickson and Johan Setia were among the first to report unhealthy Air Pollutant Index (API) levels above 100 (yikes!), and the haze is now spreading to more regions.
So, what’s going on? And more importantly, what can you do to stay safe?
🔥 What’s Causing the Haze?
The haze is mostly from forest fires in Sumatra, Indonesia. It happens pretty often during the dry season. Winds carry the smoke across to Malaysia, making the air thick and stuffy. That’s why the sky looks dull, and you might even smell burning when you step outside. And nope, it is not just annoying, hazy air can mess with your health too, especially your lungs and eyes.
✅ Easy Ways to Protect Yourself
If your area is starting to look (and smell) hazy, here’s what you can do:
- Stay indoors as much as possible
- Wear a mask when going outside. N95 masks are designed to provide an efficient filtration of airborne particles. You can also wear KF94 masks, which offer 94% filtration efficiency.
- Keep windows and doors shut to keep the smoke out
- Drink more water
- Use an air purifier if you have one
- Monitor air quality at apims.doe.gov.my
🚫 Things You Shouldn’t Do During a Haze
Even if it doesn’t look too bad, don’t let your guard down. Here’s what to avoid:
- No jogging or exercise outdoors. Doing so means we are inhaling the pollutants in the air, potentially causing respiratory problems.
- Try not to let children or elderly folks spend much time outside.
- Don’t ignore symptoms like coughing, itchy eyes, or sore throat.
- Don’t assume the air is clean just because the haze looks lighter; it can still be harmful. Check the API to be sure.
🌿 Want to Give Your Body an Immunity Boost?
Besides staying indoors and masking up, you can also support your immune system to deal with the effects of haze. Here are some supplements that might help:
- Vitamin C – Good immunity booster and antioxidant
- Vitamin D3 – Important if you’re not getting enough sunlight indoors
- Zinc – helps your body defend against infections
- Omega-3 – supports lung health and reduces inflammation
Tips: You can find most of these at the pharmacy — in tablets, chewables, or even gummies. If you’re not sure what’s right for you, just ask!
💛 Take Care of Yourself (and Others!)
Try to stay indoors whenever you can, and if you need to go out, do wear a proper N95 mask. Most importantly, keep an eye on the elderly, kids or anyone with breathing difficulties. The haze won’t be here forever, we’ll get through it together! 😷
