Solutions to air pollution in Malaysia may sound unachievable to some. However, are we aware that in our homes or surroundings, there exist minor but significant sources of air pollution? Vehicles, lawnmowers, dry cleaners and backyard fires are some of them. Yes! These can all be found around us, whether at home or at work. Plus, when compared to industrial sources, the total emissions from these smaller sources are actually higher. Therefore, in this article, we will go through the solutions to air pollution in Malaysia.
What does Malaysia use to control its air quality?
According to the Department of Environment (DOE), the measurement of ambient air quality in Malaysia is done using the Air Pollutant Index (API). Instead of using actual concentrations of air pollutants, the API is established in reporting Malaysia’s air quality. Perhaps if you are curious about Malaysia’s daily air quality updates, you may head on to APIMS.
What is Air Pollutant Index (API)?
For easy understanding, here is an elaborated explanation regarding Air Pollution Index (API) for your reference:
Well, have you got the ideas better now? If perhaps, you might be interested to further read on API, click here.
Who are the contributors to air pollution?
Before we head on to the solutions to air pollution in Malaysia, let us get to know the contributors first. Humans. Yes, humans are commonly the primary source of air pollution. This can be seen especially as a result of industrialisation. Some may disagree with this assertion since they believe they have no ties to any of the industries. They are, however, completely unaware that some of the activities they engage in are contributing to the problem:
Habits
To begin with, harmful behaviours such as cigarette smoking, hookah smoking, and vaping, as well as cracker burning. These are all tangible causes of air pollution by humans.
Wood burning
The burning of wood emits a variety of hazardous pollutants, such as carbon compounds. It also contributes to smog production. This is commonly done in semi-rural and rural areas for warming purposes, particularly during the winter.
Kitchen stoves usage
The nitrogen dioxide produced by gas cooking stoves is a highly reactive gas. It is a strong oxidising agent by nature. Plus, it can easily interact with oxygen and moisture in the air to produce deadly nitrates and nitric acid.
Packaged spray products
Insecticides, air fresheners, cleaners, and body deodorants are the examples. These items generate dangerous air-polluting particles such as volatile organic compounds. These do not just harm the air but may also lead to long-term health impacts.
Home appliances
Undoubtedly, almost every home has air conditioners and freezers. These appliances employ ozone-depleting aerosol sprays to adjust and modulate room temperature. Though they are useful in keeping our food fresh and edible, they will pollute the air, in return.
Daily littering
The rubbish that is thrown out of households is placed in landfills. This produces methane, a highly combustible gas. When methane reacts with air, it may pollute and produce explosive chemicals.
The Solutions to Air Pollution In Malaysia
Of course, there are solutions that we may use to reduce air pollution in Malaysia. And, they are especially useful among the industrial sectors. However, we must remember that air pollution will always be present. Although it is impossible to entirely eliminate air pollution, we can always discover ways to decrease the effects. Therefore, here are some solutions that can be done in Malaysia, in reducing air pollution:
1. Opt for non-toxic materials
Too many businesses rely on supply networks that are filled with harmful raw materials. In which, when they are released into the air or water, pollution will occur. Therefore, greater attention should be paid to this issue because it will help to improve the environment.
2. Pollution prevention approaches
This is to minimise, eliminate, or avoid pollution from its source. For example, using less toxic raw materials or fuels, using less polluting industrial processes, and increasing process efficiency.
3. Transportation emissions controlling
Controlling emissions associated with transportation can include the installation of emission controls on cars, as well as the use of more environmentally friendly fuel.
4. Destroy pollutants at the source with technology
Indeed, switching to clean energy is not possible as of now. But manufacturers can opt into using technologies to remove pollution at the source before it reaches the Earth’s atmosphere. This can help to eliminate harmful air pollutants and lessen the environmental impact of manufacturing sites.
5. Enhance the efficacy of your organization planning techniques
Supply and demand imbalances have a more significant impact on air pollution than you may think. When industries are running and producing things for which there is little demand, they are unnecessarily adding to air pollution. Therefore, planning is the key in achieving successful solutions to air pollution in Malaysia.
Solutions to Air Pollution in Malaysia: Why the need for good air quality?
So, do the solutions to air pollution in Malaysia above clarify your queries? After all, clean and healthy air is not just good for one’s well-being. But they are also good for the environment and businesses too. It is indeed difficult to overlook the need of removing industrial waste, which includes air pollution. As a result, solutions, and methods to manage such concerns from occurring should be considered, especially if your organisation tends to do so.
So, are there any solutions that industrial sectors in Malaysia can do regarding air pollution? Of course, it may not be easy. However, with proper guidelines, everything is possible. If you have made it this far into the article, we believe you are interested to help Malaysia in finding the solutions to air pollution. With our services, you may also contribute in lessening the risks of the issue, especially if your industries pose the risks to be one of the contributors to air pollution.
Solutions to Air Pollution in Malaysia – Why do you need a consultant?
In 2020, there are a total of 3 cases reported for air pollution under section 28(a) (Open Burning) and 22(1) (Black Smoke Emission Greater Than Specified Standard) of the Environmental Quality Act, 1974. If your business is likely to be under the DOE’s radar, you might want to consider getting expert advice from a qualified EIA consultant organization.
Velcro Envirotech Sdn Bhd (VETSB) is an independent company offering a workable, manageable, achievable technical solution to various environmental challenges. Our technical team and consultants have more than 20 years of experience in environmental pollution control engineering and waste management.
Past project: Woman & Children Block and Cardiological Centre at Raja Permaisuri Bainun Hospital, Ipoh – bounded by several sensitive receptors such as schools, hospitals, and recreational areas. Its huge challenge is controlling environmental pollution. Therefore, VETSB covers the scope of Environmental Management Plan (EMP), Environmental Monitoring (EM), waste disposal, and provision of Environmental Officer (EO) to ensure the projects can meet the requirements outlined by Jabatan Kerja Raya (JKR).
Should you have further enquiries, you may contact Cik Haza (017-5004744) to arrange an appointment. For more of our latest news and information, click here.
This article is for public general information purposes only. It is not meant to be used or constructed as advice in any manner.
