Air Pollution

Clean air is a right, not a privilege. Air pollution threatens our health and environment. And, we are defending our right to breathe clean air, one action at a time.

Across the country, millions inhale toxic air every single day. Haze from forest fires, industrial emissions, and outdated regulations are quietly eroding our health, our economy, and our future.

Haze and Human Rights Activity in Malaysia. © Darshen Chelliah / Greenpeace

What We’re Facing

Many of our environmental laws and policies are severely outdated. As the climate crisis grows and its impacts of extreme weather and devastating disasters escalate, we’re not just facing pollution. We’re facing systemic failure. Outdated laws. Weak enforcement. Polluters acting without consequence. This isn’t just bad for the planet — it’s a direct attack on our health, safety, and basic rights. Clean air is not a luxury. It’s a non-negotiable right to life.

Haze in Kuala Lumpur. © Joshua Paul / Greenpeace

A silent public health crisis

32,000 lives are lost every year in Malaysia due to air pollution. Deaths that are entirely preventable. (Source)

Forest Fires in Indonesia. © Greenpeace / Vinai Dithajohn

The cost of inaction

Air pollution costs Malaysia an estimated RM303 billion annually, about 20% of our GDP. (Source)

Singapore Haze Pollution Hits an All-Time High. © Nguyen Tuan Anh / Greenpeace

We’re all breathing it in

99% of people in Malaysia are exposed to unhealthy air, every single day

What We’re Building Together

We imagine a Malaysia where clean air is a given, not a gamble.

Picture this: stepping outside and breathing deeply, without hesitation. The haze is gone. The sky is blue. You feel safe. Alive. In this future, clean air isn’t a privilege. It’s a guarantee. Protected and shared by all.

No more “haze is back”

Seasons pass without smoke. We wake up to blue skies, day after day, year after year.

Forests aren’t burned

Lush, living forests thrive protected by people, policy, and purpose.

Polluters are held accountable

Those who harm our air face real consequences and cleaner ways forward.

Fresh air, everywhere

Every breath, from city streets to quiet villages, is safe, clean, and shared.

Our Work for Clean Air

We’re working alongside communities to protect our right to clean air through campaigns, creative activism, and collective action that address pollution at its source.

Banner Hang Action At ASEAN Summit. © Greenpeace / Vinai Dithajohn

ASEAN Malaysia 2025

We’re working to ensure Malaysia leads in shaping ASEAN’s commitment to transboundary air pollution solutions, from policy alignment to public pressure.

Learn more

Haze and Human Rights Activity in Malaysia.

Clean Air for All Campaign

Since 2020, this campaign has rallied people across Malaysia to demand a Clean Air Act, pushing for stronger laws, real enforcement, and transparency.