In brief
A report commissioned by the Federation of Malaysian Manufacturers estimates that the 2026 haze brought about 1,700 deaths—most from transboundary smoke—and caused welfare losses of 8 billion ringgit (about $2 billion). The haze also hurt businesses, with 69 % of surveyed manufacturers reporting disruptions, mainly through staff absenteeism.
A report commissioned by Malaysia’s Federation of Manufacturers on Thursday said the 2026 haze, which stretched from July 1 to October 22, caused roughly 1,700 deaths and cost the country 8 billion ringgit—about US$2 billion—in welfare losses.
According to Xinhua, the report placed the death toll between 1,300 and 2,300, with around 1,600 deaths attributed to smoke that crossed the border from fires outside the country. If fire smoke is no more toxic than other fine particles, the loss of life estimate drops to about 600 deaths.
Using benefit‑transfer methods, the Federation of Malaysian Manufacturers converted the deaths into a welfare loss of 8 billion ringgit, with a possible range of 3 billion to 15 billion ringgit.
The haze also disrupted business operations. In a survey of 86 member sites—81 of which were manufacturers—69 % reported some operational impact. Twenty‑six percent said the impact was moderate or significant, largely because employees were absent. Nearly two‑thirds of respondents had already felt the effects in August or September.
These figures show the human and economic cost of transboundary haze and underline the need for stronger cross‑border cooperation to manage fire risk and protect public health and industry.
