In Malaysia, air quality becomes a critical concern during the Haze season from June to October. The resulting air pollution impacts not only our ability to engage in outdoor activities but also our health, contributing to diseases like cardiovascular issues, strokes, lung diseases, and asthma – major health concerns in our country.
Understanding and Measuring Air Quality
Air pollution’s effect on our quality of life is significant, and it’s quantified through metrics like the Air Quality Life Index (AQLI). The AQLI indicates that exposure to fine particulate matter, PM2.5, is directly associated with the diseases mentioned above. The World Health Organisation (WHO) recommends keeping annual average PM2.5 levels below 5 micrograms per cubic metre to mitigate these risks. Adhering to these guidelines could potentially increase global life expectancy by over two years.
The Global Perspective
Whilst cities with stringent anti-pollution measures like Zurich, Perth, and Vancouver may see minimal changes in life expectancy, others stand to gain significantly more. For instance, Delhi, with PM2.5 levels of 126.51 in 2021, could see life expectancy increases of nearly twelve years if it meets WHO standards. This perspective is concerning for Malaysia, as many South Asian cities with severe pollution are geographically close.
Remarkably, particulate pollution is the world’s greatest external risk to human health, surpassing other critical factors. It trumps tobacco use, which reduces life expectancy by 2.2 years, unsafe water and sanitation (0.6 years), and nutritional deficiencies (0.1 years). In fact, the impact of particulate pollution on life expectancy is 3.8 times that of exposure to unsafe water and an astounding 23 times that of nutritional deficiencies. This makes air pollution an insidious adversary to public health.
Our Role in Environmental Stewardship
At PEGH, we recognise the value of a clean environment to extend Malaysians’ life expectancy. This understanding has led to the adoption of the National Industry Environment, Social, and Governance (ESG) Framework, particularly in the manufacturing sector, which is a significant pollution contributor.
Our commitment to sustainability is demonstrated through our partnerships and investments. For example, our collaboration with Scanwolf Corporation Berhad has fostered the use of recyclable materials and managerial transparency. This is a testament to our belief that sustainable practices can coexist with development and even offer lucrative opportunities.
The Way Forward
We at PEGH are dedicated to ensuring that our partners and clients can thrive in a world where environmental conservation is prioritised. We believe that it is possible to enjoy both economic development and clean air, and we are committed to making this a reality, not just for the environment but also for every Malaysian to live and breathe easier.
