Health experts in Malaysia are urging petrol station operators to implement measures aimed at reducing attendants' exposure to hazardous air pollutants during haze episodes. The recommendations come amid concerns over the combined risks posed by prolonged exposure to haze particles, vehicle emissions, and petrol vapours, which may lead to respiratory and cardiovascular health problems for workers.
Dr. Abu Hasan Samad, chairman of the Malaysian Federation for Occupational Safety and Health, emphasized the importance of limiting the time attendants spend outdoors. He suggested shorter outdoor shifts with regular rotation between indoor and outdoor duties as a practical approach to reduce health risks. "Instead of remaining outside for four to eight hours, attendants could be assigned shorter periods, depending on workplace conditions," he said. He also recommended that workers with pre-existing heart or lung conditions, such as asthma and bronchitis, be exempted from outdoor duties during haze events.
Public health specialist and former Health Ministry director Datuk Dr. Zainal Ariffin Omar noted that petrol attendants face compounded exposure to both haze and petrol vapours containing benzene, a known carcinogen. He advised the use of properly fitted N95 respirators, minimizing the time spent near fuel pumps, and retreating to enclosed, air-conditioned areas during idle times. He also called on employers to monitor air quality closely and adjust work arrangements accordingly while providing adequate respiratory protection and training for workers.
Prof. Dr. Sharifa Ezat Wan Puteh, president of the Malaysian Society of Harm Reduction, highlighted the broader health implications of combined exposure to haze and fuel-related chemicals. She advocated for employers to supply N95 respirators, ensure availability of hydration and shower facilities, and create cool, safe resting spaces. Monitoring of vulnerable workers and mandated indoor breaks were among her recommended measures to safeguard attendants’ health.
Further input came from Assoc. Prof. Dr. Lim Yin Cheng, an occupational and public health physician at Universiti Malaya, who stressed that attendants should not be required to stand outdoors when customer assistance is unnecessary. He urged operators to permit attendants to remain indoors during such periods, increase break frequency, and rotate staff to limit unnecessary exposure. He also recommended prioritizing indoor assignments for workers with pre-existing respiratory or cardiovascular conditions during poor air quality episodes.
Dr. Bala Murali Sundram, a senior medical lecturer at Universiti Malaya, called for the development of workplace haze action plans based on official Air Pollutant Index (API) readings. He encouraged employers to prepare predetermined responses for deteriorating air quality, including reducing outdoor duties, increasing indoor breaks, and suspending non-essential outdoor activities temporarily.
These collective expert recommendations aim to mitigate the health risks faced by petrol station attendants amid Malaysia’s recurring haze conditions, drawing attention to the need for proactive workplace health and safety strategies.