How to keep your child safe with haze in Malaysia (2026)

When the sky turns grey and hazy, it can be difficult to know whether your child should still go to the playground, attend outdoor activities or simply stay indoors. For toddlers and preschoolers, who may not be able to explain that their throat feels irritated or that they are struggling to breathe, it is especially important to know what to look out for. 

This guide explains how to read Malaysia’s Air Pollutant Index (API), when to limit outdoor activities when there’s haze in Malaysia, what to know about masks for children, and which haze symptoms mean your child may need medical attention. 

How to check the haze level in Malaysia 

Malaysia’s Department of Environment monitors air quality using the Air Pollutant Index (API). The higher the API reading, the greater the level of air pollution and the more precautions your family may need to take [1]. 

As a quick guide: 

• 0–50: Good: Normal outdoor activities can continue

• 51–100: Moderate: Most people can continue their usual activities, although children or other sensitive individuals may experience irritation

• 101–200: Unhealthy: Reduce prolonged or strenuous outdoor activity, particularly for children and other higher-risk groups

• 201–300: Very unhealthy: Avoid strenuous outdoor activities and reduce time spent outside

• 301 and above: Hazardous: Minimise outdoor exposure as much as possible and follow the latest health and government advisories. 

When should children stay indoors during haze? 

Schools also use API readings to determine when outdoor activities should be restricted. When haze levels become unhealthy, outdoor sports, assemblies and other activities may be moved indoors or suspended.[2] 

That gives you a practical rule of thumb at home: if your child’s school is moving outdoor activities indoors, consider doing the same for your family. 

What mask is suitable for children during haze in Malaysia? 

A mask can reduce exposure to airborne particles, but fit, age and whether your child can wear it properly all matter. 

Babies and toddlers under 3 

Do not rely on a mask as the main form of protection for very young children. Malaysia’s Ministry of Health advises that N95 respirators are not suitable for children because they can increase breathing resistance and cause discomfort [3]. 

For a toddler, the safest approach during significant haze is generally to reduce outdoor exposure rather than trying to make a mask work. 

Preschoolers 

For children who are old enough to wear a mask safely and comfortably, choose one that fits securely over the nose and mouth without leaving large gaps around the cheeks or chin. No N95 respirators yet either [3]. 

Older children 

For older children who can reliably put on, remove and wear a mask correctly, a well-fitting mask can provide additional protection when they need to be outdoors. Make sure there are no loose gaps at the side for total protection. 

What are the common haze symptoms in children? 

Haze can irritate the eyes, nose and respiratory system. Children may develop symptoms such as [4]: 

• Coughing

• Runny or blocked nose

• Watery, itchy or irritated eyes

• Sore or irritated throat

• Headaches

• Tiredness or discomfort 

Most importantly, pay attention to changes from your child’s usual behaviour and breathing.

Children with asthma, allergies or other respiratory conditions may need closer monitoring during haze. If your child’s symptoms are persistent, worsening or affecting their usual activities, contact their doctor for advice [4]. 

When should you seek urgent medical help? 

Seek medical attention if your child is having difficulty breathing, experiencing significant or persistent wheezing, becoming unusually drowsy or developing symptoms that concern you [5] .

If your child is struggling to breathe, becomes blue or unusually pale around the lips, or loses consciousness, seek emergency medical attention immediately. 

Every cough or runny nose may not be caused by haze. Children can also develop viral infections and other common illnesses, so consider the full picture and speak to a healthcare professional if you are unsure. 

How to make your home safer during haze 

Keeping your child indoors does not automatically mean the air inside your home is clean. When haze levels are high, try to reduce additional sources of indoor air pollution too. 

A simple haze-day routine can include: 

• Check the API each morning and again before planning outdoor activities. 

• Keep windows and doors closed when outdoor air quality is poor. 

• Use an air purifier if you have one and follow its maintenance instructions. 

• Avoid adding indoor pollutants, including cigarette smoke, incense and other sources of smoke. 

• Use your car’s recirculation setting when travelling during haze. 

• Wash your child’s face and hands after spending time outdoors. 

• Move active play indoors when the API is unhealthy. 

• Keep your child’s usual medication accessible if they have a doctor-managed respiratory condition. 

You do not have to wait for your child to feel unwell 

When the API starts climbing, you do not need to wait for your child to cough before changing your plans. Checking the air quality, reducing outdoor exposure and keeping an eye on symptoms can make haze days much easier to manage. 

The playground will still be there when the air clears. For now, an indoor afternoon may be one of the simplest ways to keep your child comfortable and reduce their exposure to haze. 

References 

1. CARiNG Pharmacy. “Haze in Malaysia 2026: 5 Common Symptoms, API Levels & How to Protect Yourself.” Accessed 7 September 2026. https://www.caring2u.com/health-center/health-info/5-common-haze-symptoms-how-to-beat-it/ 

2. The Rakyat Post. “All Schools and Educational Institutions to Halt Outdoor Activities If API Exceeds 100.” Accessed 7 September 2026. https://www.therakyatpost.com/news/2026/08/27/all-schools-and-educational-institutions-to-halt-outdoor-activities-if-api-exceeds-100/ 

3. Mount Elizabeth Hospital. “N95 vs Surgical Masks: Are Face Masks Effective for Children?” Accessed 7 September 2026. https://www.mountelizabeth.com.sg/health-plus/article/masks-children-effective-suitable 

4. Sunway Medical Centre Penang. “Haze in Penang: Health Risks, API Explained and How to Stay Safe.” Accessed 7 September 2026. https://www.sunwaymedicalpenang.com.my/en/health-articles/haze-in-penang-health-risks-api-explained-and-how-to-stay-safe 

5. Prince Court Medical Centre. “Haze & Heat: How to Keep Children Healthy in Malaysia.” Accessed 7 September 2026. https://princecourt.com/our-services/blogs-and-articles/haze-hot-weather-children-malaysia