7 Ways to Combat the Relentless Haze in Malaysia

Visions are getting blurrier and masquerades are getting common again here, ever since the API index indicated the quality of air dropped from poor to severely poor in many areas.

Yes, I am talking about the... haze. Sooner or later, Malaysia may very well be the perfect place for filming ‘The Haze Runner’ (if you get the catch).

Even though the authorities are beginning to take some actions in putting out the firestorm, it still takes at least 30 days to put a stop to it. While we cannot do much to cease these blazes, there are some simple methods we could implement to protect ourselves and our families, from this toxic – and carcinogenic – infiltration.

Hydrating ourselves, staying indoors and wearing a mask are already general knowledge, but there are some more ways to combat this relentless smog.

Cut those onions!

While onions are commonly known as an effective detox food and cure for flu, they are also an excellent odour purifier due to its sterilisation attribute. When cut into halves, not only the exposed flesh of an onion helps to absorb bad odour, it also sterilises the air. That's the reason why placing a slice of raw onion by the bedside of a flu patient can actually help to relieve the utterly disturbing runny nose.  

Sure, it releases that pungent smell which many may not like, but surely breathing in bad-breath-like odour is still very much better than inhaling health-damaging particles, namely the haze.

So the next time you are about to add onions into your meals, try keeping some as an effective odour and pollutant eliminator.

Blow those Fans like never before

If, for some reason, you are unable to shut those openings in your home (like me, who owns a dog that needs to relieve himself outdoors), bring out your most powerful electrical fans, switch it on to the highest wind speed, and blow them all out towards those opened windows and doors, let those fans run like the wind!  These will significantly keep that pesky haze from penetrating your home.

Industrial fans work best – although not everyone would opt for one – because they are super powerful but the downside is that they are pretty noisy, so it’s up to you to see which outweighs the other – noise or health?

Eat Healthier                   

The ‘eat healthier’ saying has been here for a long, long time. If you have not been practising this, I suggest you practise this during the hazy period. Eat more fresh fruits and vegetables to get enough nutrients and vitamins to boost your immune system. Load up Vitamin C into your body with foods such as oranges, passion fruits, papayas, kiwis, beetroot and greens. With a stronger body, you will be more equipped to combat haze pollutants. Fill up your fridge with fruits and vegetables and wholesome foods that are health-promoting to upgrade your battle system and keep them illnesses at bay.

On the other hand, reduce deep-fried, oily and extremely spicy food that may irritate your throat and provoke your respiratory system, you really wouldn’t want them to hit you now.

Lemon-infused Water

Heading out? Remember to bring a bottle of water to keep yourself hydrated at all times. But before heading out with that bottle of yours, add lemon slices to your drinking water bottle so that aside from hydrating yourself, you get to consume some Vitamin C while you are on the go.

It's also a simple way to get more Vitamin C daily as it is important to upkeep and strengthen our overall immune system in these difficult times.

Use a Pocket Fan

Let’s say the haze gets really bad while you are on the go, keeping a mini handheld fan with you can be very handy, especially when you don't have a mask with you. In cases where you happen not to wear a mask, or when your mask simply isn't working for you, blowing the handheld fan at your face can help repel smog away. 

Remember to re-charge and make sure the batteries are working, though.

Wash your Face and Hands more often

Once, after walking along some busy roads at the city centre, I went home and washed my face and hands. To my surprise, the washing water (after washing my face) appeared to be slightly grimy with some dark dirt apparent in it, and I came to realise that the grime came from motor vehicle emissions.

Imagine, if substantial grime are already sticking to your exposed skin when you are only walking along a busy road under a clear, haze-free weather,  how much more will it be now if you are actually surrounded by smog most of the time, even when you aren't nearby a busy road? Well, you can go figure, it isn’t hard to get an answer.

If washing your face seems to be a hassle, you can switch to using some wet wipes to clean your face, works just as well.

Change your clothes once you're home

Just like how dirt can stick to your skin, likewise for your clothes too. Take a sniff at your top – or bottoms – you wore out earlier, you won't be surprised if they actually smell like they were barbequed (and no, it’s not tasty).

So if you were outside for long, or even if it’s just a short one-hour trip, it’s best to change into your comfortable and clean clothing once you're home.

Fresh Flowers and Plants

As the haze worsens, it is inevitable that we may begin to feel as gloomy as these murky skies too.

Well, don't be.

Decorating your space with some fresh flowers or green plants can be very therapeutic. Not only do they brighten up your space and lift up your mood, but they also offer delicate, sweet scenst that helps to alleviate smog too.

And if you really can't accept onions in your abode at all, getting fresh flowers or plants is a good idea for you.

The haze is extremely harmful to our health, so be sure to protect yourselves from it with these means and stay healthy! And hopefully, the filming of ‘The Haze Runner’ with us Malaysians as the cast ends soon too. Finding this helpful? Do pass it to friends and family to help them stay protected from ‘The Haze’!

By Denise Goh
September 17, 2015 | Health & Beauty