Malaysia must find solutions for long-term disasters like haze, says CRSM

SMART Team showcased specialised disaster rescue equipment and search-and-rescue tools at the event, raising public awareness of disaster response and rescue operations.

PETALING JAYA: Disaster management in Malaysia must look beyond just dealing with sudden disasters like floods to also address the longer-term threats posed by haze, forest fires and dry weather, says the Crisis Relief Squad of MCA (CRSM).

CRSM national chief Datuk Lim Chong Ly said such a change was key given the effects of the recent haze from peatland fires in Indonesia, which have affected Malaysia in recent weeks.

She noted how long-term threats like haze are not merely an environmental issue but one closely linked to public health, community safety and disaster risk management.

Crisis Relief Squad of MCA (CRSM) national chief Datuk Lim Chong Ly.

“Children, senior citizens, pregnant women and individuals with respiratory conditions are particularly vulnerable to the adverse effects of haze, while outdoor workers may also face prolonged exposure to polluted air due to the nature of their work.

“While public advisories on personal protection are important, it is not enough, and the government must tackle the sources of haze to minimise its impact on public health and daily life,” she said in a press release on Tuesday (Oct 13).

She stressed that prevention, effective enforcement and public education must go hand in hand, while the corporate sector must fulfil its environmental responsibilities.

To this, Lim called for stronger air quality monitoring, stricter enforcement against pollution sources and better public health protection through community education and awareness.

She also urged the public to protect itself as best it can by monitoring local air quality through the Environment Department’s Air Pollutant Index Management System (APIMS).

The public should also follow the latest information and instructions issued by the National Disaster Management Agency (Nadma), the Department of Environment, the Malaysian Meteorological Department and the Education Ministry.

Lim also cautioned against the spreading of unverified information, urging the public to rely on official updates when responding to environmental risks.

“CRSM will continue to support community education initiatives on disaster risk awareness and health protection, encouraging the public to take preventive measures, prepare for environmental risks and support one another in safeguarding public health and community safety,” she added.

She said this comes after CRSM attended the National Disaster Preparedness Month (BKN) 2026 programme, held on 11 October 2026 at the Ipoh Convention Centre (ICC), Perak.

Also attending the event was Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi, who emphasised the importance of strengthening the nation’s disaster response capabilities.

Ahmad Zahid, who also chairs the Central Disaster Management Committee, also said the government plans to allocate RM260mil to Nadma under the 2027 Budget to support the development of permanent disaster relief centres and the procurement of disaster management assets and equipment.

Lim said the programme provided CRSM a platform to exchange views with fellow Rakan NADMA non-governmental organisations (NGOs) and relevant agencies on strengthening community resilience and disaster risk management.