MEF Urges Employers to Prioritize Worker Safety Amid Worsening Haze

Malaysian Employers Federation Urges Action As Haze Blankets Workplaces

The worsening haze is a reminder that employees’ safety and health must remain a priority for every employer, said Datuk Dr Syed Hussain Syed Husman, senior adviser for government, media and international engagement at the Malaysian Employers Federation (MEF). The statement comes as prolonged transboundary haze blankets Malaysia, prompting fresh calls for workplace safety adjustments under the Occupational Safety and Health Act 1994.

Under the legislation, employers hold a statutory duty to ensure, so far as is practicable, the safety, health, and welfare of their workers at work. The MEF has advised organizations not to wait for air quality to hit critical thresholds before intervening. Employers are urged to track the Air Pollutant Index (API), identify vulnerable staff members—including older workers, pregnant employees, and those with pre-existing respiratory or cardiovascular conditions—and scale back outdoor operations when pollution spikes.

Economic Toll And Industrial Pressures

The environmental crisis is exacting a heavy financial toll alongside health risks. Yeah warned that cumulative monthly losses could reach between RM600 million and RM1.5 billion, with tourism, aviation, and agriculture emerging as the most vulnerable sectors.

Public health experts emphasize that official medical expenditures capture only a fraction of the total burden. Universiti Sains Islam Malaysia public health medicine specialist Dr Mohd Hafiz Jaafar noted that national costs for treating haze-related illnesses climbed from roughly RM21 million in the 1997 haze to RM410 million in 2013. Hafiz pointed out that these figures exclude cardiovascular complications and indirect productivity drains such as absenteeism and reduced on-the-job output.

Outdoor Workers Continue Amid Difficult Conditions

While corporate offices maintain standard indoor operations, outdoor workers face immediate physical strain. Farmer Cheng Tai Hoe, 58, reported experiencing irritated eyes and a sore throat while tending to his crops, noting that he must continue working to earn a living. Similarly, street sweeper Mohd Rizan Mehran, 46, stated that his daily duties in Pontian proceed as scheduled despite dry throats and frequent coughing, with employers supplying face masks and morning safety briefings.

The situation follows a severe pollution spike earlier in October. According to IQAir’s live World Air Quality rankings, Kuala Lumpur recorded an Air Quality Index of 211 on the morning of 7 October, temporarily making it the haziest city globally before conditions fluctuated across the region.

Preventive Measures And Operational Adjustments

To safeguard workers, the MEF recommends that companies maintain ventilation and air-conditioning filtration systems to limit indoor pollutant entry. Where outdoor exposure cannot be avoided, employers should provide certified N95 respirators. Businesses are also encouraged to implement flexible schedules, remote work arrangements, or temporary indoor reassignment where practicable.

Employees are instructed to follow safety protocols, utilize provided protective gear, stay hydrated, and report any breathing difficulties immediately. Syed Hussain stressed that maintaining business continuity and safeguarding personnel are complementary goals, noting that early intervention prevents severe operational disruptions.

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