Kuala Lumpur, 9 October 2026 – MERCY Malaysia is stepping up its Haze Emergency Response as haze continues to affect parts of the country. Children, older persons, pregnant women and people with respiratory or heart conditions face the greatest health risks.
The response builds on work already under way in Sarawak, where MERCY Malaysia supported public health advocacy, community awareness and assistance for people affected by haze. It will now extend this work across Malaysia through public health messaging and practical support, working with relevant parties to identify needs and reach affected communities.
Haze is currently affecting several parts of Peninsular Malaysia, including Johor, Negeri Sembilan, Melaka, Selangor and Kuala Lumpur. Severity varies from place to place, but the risk to vulnerable groups remains.
With the Northeast Monsoon (Monsun Timur Laut, MTL) approaching, MERCY Malaysia is preparing for possible haze-related needs in western parts of the country and elsewhere. It will keep monitoring conditions, assess emerging needs and coordinate with relevant stakeholders.
MERCY Malaysia has prepared a Haze Emergency Response Kit containing loratadine, wet wipes, normal saline, lozenges, a KF94 face mask, a small clear pouch and a health information flyer. The kits give affected communities basic supplies and health information.
The public can take simple steps to reduce exposure: check official air quality updates, limit outdoor and strenuous activity when conditions worsen, keep high-risk individuals indoors where possible, stay hydrated, wash exposed skin after being outside, and wear a suitable, well-fitted mask when going out. Anyone with worsening breathing difficulty, persistent coughing, chest discomfort or other worrying symptoms should seek medical attention promptly.
MERCY Malaysia urges Federal and State authorities and the relevant agencies to keep coordination strong, issue timely and clear public health advisories, support high-risk groups and speed up assistance to affected communities. It also encourages governments in the region to continue efforts to prevent open burning and address transboundary haze through sustained regional cooperation.
“Haze is not something any one agency, community or individual can manage alone. It takes collective action as a nation. Each of us has a role to play: protect ourselves and our families, check on our neighbours, follow health advisories, cut back on activities that worsen air pollution, and support the communities hit hardest. At the same time, government agencies, civil society, the private sector and the public must work together so that information, protection and help reach people quickly. MERCY Malaysia is committed to doing its part, and we invite Malaysians to stand with us.”
Dato’ Dr. Ahmad Faizal Mohd Perdaus, President of MERCY Malaysia
MERCY Malaysia is appealing for public and corporate support to sustain the response. Donations will go towards preparing and distributing haze response kits, public health advocacy and assistance for affected communities.
Donations can be made to:
MERCY Malaysia
CIMB Islamic: 8606 1291 17
SWIFT Code: CTBBMYKL
Reference: Haze
For the latest updates and further information, please follow our social media channels at @mercymalaysia or reach out to us directly at [email protected].
For further information, please contact:
Muhamad Shukur bin Suhaimi, Senior Communications Officer, MERCY Malaysia
E: [email protected] | M: +60 17 320 6195
