Clean air for Malaysia

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

Clean air is a fundamental human right. But in Malaysia, during times of haze, the systems that should protect us become even less effective, making the haze a persistent norm rather than an exception.

Fossil-fueled air pollution is a silent and indiscriminate killer, affecting all of us. And, haze isn’t just a temporary inconvenience; it’s a matter of life and death. Prolonged exposure to the haze has been linked to respiratory illnesses, heart disease, and even premature death. Our children, the elderly, and those with pre-existing conditions are especially vulnerable.

Add your name

Your voice matters. By signing this petition, you’re joining thousands of Malaysians who are standing up for their right to breathe clean air.

How signing the petition helps?

We will submit all the petition signatures directly to the government, demonstrating the widespread public support for stronger actions against the haze.

Your signature shows our leaders that we won’t stand by while our air quality continues to deteriorate—it’s a powerful way to push for the policies and accountability we need to protect our health and environment.

What are our demands?

We call on the Malaysian government to:

1. Implement a domestic Transboundary Haze Pollution Act to hold Malaysian-owned companies operating abroad accountable for their role in causing transboundary haze, ensuring they act responsibly.

2. Make outdoor air quality standards legally binding, time-bound, and enforceable by implementing stronger clean air protection laws, such as a Clean Air Act, that upholds World Health Organization’s air quality guidelines.

The cost of air pollution

An estimated 32,000 premature deaths per year could be avoided in Malaysia with clean air quality. Our health is more vulnerable than ever, and now after the COVID-19 pandemic, we cannot afford another attack on our lungs.

Air pollution could shorten our lives

During the severe haze in 2019, respiratory illnesses were the second leading cause of death in Malaysia, accounting for 14.8% of deaths. Cardiovascular diseases contributed to 7.9% of hospital deaths, according to the Malaysian Ministry of Health.

What we cannot see is harming us

A recent study revealed that 100% of Malaysia’s population is breathing air with PM2.5 levels exceeding WHO guidelines. Long-term exposure to such pollution raises the risk of chronic respiratory diseases, lung cancer, cardiovascular issues, diabetes, and high blood pressure.

Haze in PT WKS Logging Concession in Jambi. © Muhammad Adimaja / Greenpeace

Our livelihoods and future are also at stake

The health impacts of outdoor air pollution in Malaysia are estimated to have cost RM303 billion annually, equivalent to 20% of the country’s GDP in 2019. This cost includes healthcare expenses, lost livelihoods, and reduced economic productivity.

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