Amid growing global awareness of the harmful effects of air pollution on health and the environment, Malaysia stands out as a positive example in the 2024 World Air Quality Report released by IQAir.
The report highlights that Malaysia recorded the largest annual drop in air pollution levels across Southeast Asia in 2024.
In a regional context where many countries are still grappling with high pollutant levels—particularly PM2.5—this achievement marks both a piece of good news and a significant milestone for the country.
Significant Reduction in PM2.5: How Far from WHO Standards?
This improvement in air quality is reflected in the sharp decline in Malaysia’s average annual PM2.5 concentration, which dropped from 22.5 micrograms per cubic meter (µg/m³) in 2023 to 18.3 µg/m³ in 2024. The 19% reduction is the most substantial among Southeast Asian countries covered in the report.
PM2.5 refers to fine particulate matter (≤2.5 microns in diameter) that can penetrate deep into the respiratory system and even enter the bloodstream. It is widely recognized as a key indicator of air quality.
However, the 18.3 µg/m³ figure still exceeds the World Health Organization’s (WHO) annual guideline, which recommends a safe limit of no more than 5.0 µg/m³. This means that despite the improving trend, air quality in most parts of Malaysia remains unhealthy—especially for vulnerable groups such as children, the elderly, and individuals with chronic illnesses.
Unfortunately, not a single city in Malaysia met the WHO's strict standards, although some areas—such as Kapit in Sarawak—recorded relatively low pollution levels, making it the city with the best air quality in Malaysia throughout 2024.
Malaysia Excels in Air Quality Monitoring Systems
Malaysia’s success in improving air quality cannot be separated from its national air monitoring system, which is considered one of the most comprehensive in Southeast Asia.
According to the IQAir report, nearly 40% of Malaysia’s population lives within 10 kilometers of an air quality monitoring station. Moreover, about 88% of all operating stations are owned or directly managed by the government.
The data collected through this network serves as a critical foundation for policy development and rapid responses to air quality crises in various regions.
Initiatives and Advocacy: Make Clean Air a Human Right
Malaysia’s commitment to improving air quality is also reflected in a range of initiatives and advocacy efforts.
One major milestone came in September 2024, when the Human Rights Commission of Malaysia (SUHAKAM) released an environmental human rights report emphasizing the need to recognize clean air as a constitutional right. The report recommended legal reforms to explicitly enshrine the right to a clean and healthy environment in Malaysia’s constitution.
Additionally, at international forums such as London Climate Action Week, the Malaysian government announced plans to phase out all coal-fired power plants by no later than 2044—an ambitious move, especially considering that coal still accounted for 47% of the country’s electricity generation in 2022.
Regional Overview: Air Quality in Southeast Asia
At the regional level, the 2024 IQAir report also sheds light on the overall air quality conditions across Southeast Asia. While all countries in the region recorded a decrease in PM2.5 levels compared to the previous year, the situation remains far from ideal.
None of the 392 cities analyzed met the World Health Organization’s (WHO) annual air quality guidelines. In fact, 45% of Southeast Asian cities recorded PM2.5 concentrations three to five times higher than the WHO threshold, while 22% exceeded WHO’s Interim Target 1 of 35 µg/m³.
Indonesia remains the most polluted country in the region, with a PM2.5 concentration of 35.5 µg/m³, whereas Singapore reported the lowest level at 11.4 µg/m³.
With its significant reduction in pollution levels, robust monitoring systems, and progressive policy initiatives, Malaysia is well-positioned to take a leadership role in the region’s air quality agenda. As Malaysia prepares to chair ASEAN in 2025, many hope that environmental issues—especially clean air—will become a top priority in the region’s future cooperation efforts.
