A blanket of haze seen over Bukit Jalil, Kuala Lumpur.

PETALING JAYA: The morning sun is out there somewhere – but it’s hidden behind a familiar, smoky veil.

It’s like a flashback to 2015, when Malaysia choked under some of the worst haze on record. That year, forest and peatland fires in Indonesia sent thick plumes rolling across the region, pushing the Air Pollutant Index (API) in places like Shah Alam past a hazardous 300.

Schools were shut, outdoor events scrapped, and clinics filled with people coughing and wheezing. For months, the sky turned a dull grey, and the smell of burning clung to everything.

Fast forward to today, and the haze has drifted back; though, thankfully, not at the same alarming levels – yet.

Experts, however, warn it’s unlikely a one-off – in fact, episodes of haze could become even more frequent in the years ahead.

“Haze is a visible layer of air pollution made up of fine particles and gases,” explained Azliyana Azhari, lecturer in climate, society and policy at Monash University Malaysia.

“It contains pollutants like PM2.5 and PM10, carbon monoxide, ozone and nitrogen oxides. These can harm human health, reduce visibility, and even disrupt entire ecosystems.”

Hundreds of hotspots in Sumatra, Indonesia – driven by dry weather and slash-and-burn practices – have sent smoke drifting over peninsular Malaysia.

“MetMalaysia doesn’t expect significant rainfall or a shift in wind direction in the coming days, meaning the haze is likely to persist in the short term,” Azliyana added.

So far, API readings hover mostly in the moderate range, with occasional spikes into “unhealthy” territory. Unlike 2015, no schools have yet been ordered to close – but many families are bracing themselves.

For a while after 2015, the haze seemed to ease off. According to Azliyana, this was partly thanks to wetter weather linked to the La Niña climate phase, and the tighter monitoring of forest fires.

“But from 2023 onwards, the return of El Niño has brought hotter and drier conditions, increasing the risk of wildfires,” she noted. Climate change is adding fuel to the fire, quite literally, by lengthening dry spells and shifting rain patterns.

“This means once fires start, the smoke lingers longer, travels farther, and becomes harder to disperse. At the same time, climate change increases drought risk, making it more likely for haze to happen again.”

Malaysia is again experiencing seasonal haze from Indonesian fires. (Bernama pic)

On top of which, it’s a vicious cycle: haze itself worsens climate change. And beyond murky views of the skyline, there are real costs.

“Prolonged exposure to polluted air can damage plant tissues, reduce photosynthesis and disrupt natural habitats,” Azliyana said. For farmers, especially those who depend on sunlight-sensitive crops like rice, fruit and vegetables, even a week of heavy haze can mean smaller harvests.

And then there’s the impact on daily life. Construction slows, tourism dips, and rising medical leave reduces productivity.

According to Azliyana, the root causes of haze are systemic. She believes Malaysia could tighten rules against open burning and strengthen peatland management.

Regionally, she pointed to the Asean Agreement on Transboundary Haze Pollution, which could work better if countries shared more satellite data and held polluters accountable.

“Early warning systems and better air-quality monitoring can also help protect public health,” she said.

Azliyana Azhari.

But change can’t only come from the top: ordinary Malaysians, too, have a role to play.

“Avoid open burning, reduce car trips, choose sustainable products, and dispose of waste responsibly,” she advised. Even small steps like using public transport and conserving electricity can help cut emissions that add to pollution.

When skies turn murky, Azliyana’s advice is practical: limit outdoor activity, wear an N95 mask, keep windows closed, run an air purifier indoors, and keep an eye on API updates.

“Children, the elderly, and people with heart or lung conditions need extra care,” she cautioned.

Looking ahead, the outlook remains worrying. “Unfortunately, haze is likely to remain a recurring seasonal issue, particularly during the southwest monsoon from May to September.”

Climate change and ongoing land clearing mean the smoky skies we’re seeing today may become an unwelcome fixture in years to come.

The haze may lift for now – but without more impactful change, it won’t be the last time we find ourselves seeing the world as a smoky blur.