Malaysians Face Dual Threats of Haze, High UV Levels

Malaysians are confronting a dual threat of increasing haze and elevated ultraviolet radiation index (UVI) levels, experts warn.

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KUALA LUMPUR -

Dr Chung Jing Xiang, a senior lecturer at the Faculty of Marine Sciences and Environment at Universiti Malaysia Terengganu (UMT), said that while both are detrimental, haze presents a notably greater threat to human health.

"Our region's proximity to the equator results in high UVI levels, as we receive direct sunlight almost year-round. However, haze poses a more serious threat, leading to respiratory issues," said Dr Chung.

He explained that haze consists of pollutant particles, commonly referred to as "particulate matter".

"These particles have the capacity to scatter ultraviolet (UV) light, resulting in reduced light reaching the atmosphere where people are located," he said.

To illustrate, Dr Chung used an analogy.