EVERY year, when the dry season arrives, Malaysians prepare themselves for the recurring smoke haze, a frustratingly familiar cycle.
Skies turn grey, the air thickens, and health alerts are issued. The haze has become an almost expected feature of life.
This is no ordinary smog. It is transboundary pollution, mostly caused by large-scale forest and peatland fires in neighbouring countries. The impact is immediate, affecting schools, travel, outdoor activities, and, most importantly, our health.
Growing up in Miri, I often heard stories about the terrible haze of 1998. I was too young to remember the details, but one image stays with me.
At home, there was a KN95 mask, which was unusual. It wasn’t for dust or illness. It was for stepping outside when the air was unsafe to breathe.
In 2015, while studying in Samarahan, the haze returned in full force. I remember the thick smoke in the air, day after day.
The smell of burning would seep into our rental home, slipping through the cracks of the front door. You couldn’t escape it – not even indoors. The sky stayed grey, and normal life slowed to a crawl.
These occurrences are not uncommon. Numerous Malaysians share similar recollections due to the recurring haze.
Regional diplomacy, local consequences
The cause of the haze is clear. Open burning is commonly practised to clear land, particularly for agriculture. When peatlands ignite, they burn intensely, emitting large quantities of smoke and particulate matter.
Malaysia and other ASEAN countries signed the Transboundary Haze Pollution Agreement in 2002 to address this. The idea was to work together to prevent and control haze at the regional level. But more than two decades later, the haze is still with us.
Diplomatic efforts have been cautious. Countries are reluctant to name or blame each other directly.
Everyone agrees on the problem, but few want to take the political risk of pushing too hard. When the skies fill with smoke, we get carefully worded statements and offers of cooperation. But little changes.
Malaysia has voiced concern many times and has offered help to Indonesia to tackle the fires. Yet responses are often defensive. National pride and internal politics make it difficult to get honest accountability.
Meanwhile, the people suffer. Children stay home from school. Elderly and vulnerable groups are advised to stay indoors.
Healthcare systems prepare for spikes in respiratory illnesses. And ordinary Malaysians are left wondering why nothing seems to work.
Sarawak’s stand and the way forward
While much of the haze problem originates beyond our borders, Sarawak has taken clear steps to manage what is within our control.
The state government enforces strict bans on open burning during dry weather. Agencies such as the Natural Resources and Environment Board (NREB) actively monitor hotspots and act swiftly to prevent the spread of fires.
In rural communities, state-level campaigns raise awareness about the dangers of open burning. Farmers and smallholders are encouraged to adopt safer land-clearing methods.
Technologies such as satellite imagery and drone surveillance have become common tools for early detection. These measures demonstrate the Sarawak government’s commitment to safeguarding public health and the environment.
But these efforts can only go so far. Most of the haze comes from transboundary sources. That is where the Federal Government must take the lead – especially in regional diplomacy.
Malaysia, through Putrajaya, must continue pressing for stronger cooperation under ASEAN mechanisms.
This includes pushing for more transparent monitoring, faster response times, and real consequences for countries that allow open burning to spiral out of control. Diplomatic courtesy must not come at the expense of public health.
Technology can also play a bigger role, but it requires coordination.
Federal agencies can invest in integrated early-warning systems, real-time air quality data, and rapid-response fire suppression teams. These tools must be used consistently and shared across agencies and borders.
Call for leadership and lasting solutions
More importantly, haze must be treated as a national and regional crisis, not just a seasonal inconvenience. It affects our economy, disrupts daily life, and endangers lives.
For Sarawak, the haze undermines long-term goals we are working hard to achieve. Clean air and environmental responsibility are part of that vision.
We deserve better. Sarawak is doing its part. Now we need stronger federal leadership and regional resolve to match it.
Clean air must be a national priority. Not just during the rainy season, but every day. Not just in policy documents, but in practice.
It’s time we stopped treating haze as something we must endure. It is something we must overcome.
The views expressed here are those of the writer and do not necessarily represent the views of Sarawak Tribune. The writer can be reached at nazmixsuhaimi@gmail.com.
