PETALING JAYA: As haze returns, the people are replanning their leisure and exercise routines, swapping outdoor activities for indoor alternatives whenever air quality deteriorates.
For cyclist Ahmad Fikry Abdullah, 45, checking the air quality has become a habit before heading out for his weekend ride.
“Usually, I start early, around 6.30am or 7am. I ride with my friends and sometimes we stop for breakfast,” said the government servant, adding that he would either cut the journey short or simply skip the outing if the haze level is bad.
He said cyclists could also turn to indoor training when the air quality index is high.
“The important thing is to take care of your health and not force yourself to ride outside when the air quality is poor.”
Ahmad Fikry also urged fellow cyclists to take extra care if they are riding in hazy conditions.
“Make sure all your lights are working and that you can be seen clearly. When there is haze, visibility can be limited,” he reminded.
Self-employed Nurul Atieyqah Syuhada Abd Rahman, 39, said the recurring haze had made her family more cautious about making outdoor plans.
She said the family has been planning for a trip to a recreational area for the weekend.
“The children were looking forward to it and, of course, they were a little disappointed when they were told that the plan may have to be postponed.
“If it is hot, we can still go. But if the air is bad, you just do not feel like staying outside for too long. So we just postpone it,” she said.
Nurul Atieyqah said her family had learned to be more prepared whenever haze returned.
“As haze happens almost every year, I think we have learned that we need to adapt. Now we just check first. If it is not suitable, we look for something else to do or go out on another day,” she said.
Private sector employee Irene Wong, 38, said the haze could be particularly challenging for children who are used to spending their free time outdoors.
“Normally we take the children to a park or playground. But when there is haze, I do not really want them outside for too long. So sometimes we just go to the mall. They can still walk around, have something to eat and enjoy themselves,” she said.
Twenty-one-year-old college student Aryan Mukesh Saravanan said he had also learned to adjust his exercise routine.
“Normally I like going out, maybe jogging or meeting friends. But if I see that the air is bad, I just change my plans.
“I will go to the gym instead. After that, I can meet my friends at the mall. At least I can still exercise and hang out without being outside for too long.”
