Orange Air Quality Alert Issued For Malé As Pollution Levels Rise

The Health Protection Agency has issued an orange alert for Malé City due to poor air quality, while a yellow alert remains in effect for the rest of the country.

The agency has warned that vulnerable groups, including infants, elderly people, pregnant women, and individuals with respiratory, heart, or allergy-related conditions, face a higher risk of health complications under the current conditions.

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Here is how air pollution impacts your body.#haze #airpollution #staysafe pic.twitter.com/vZ10TlfgXM— Health Protection Agency (@HPA_MV) December 12, 2025

Vulnerable individuals have been advised to avoid outdoor activities such as sports and exercise. The Health Protection Agency has also recommended wearing N95 or similar masks when going outdoors and keeping doors closed while using air purifiers indoors to reduce exposure to pollution.

Air quality data can be monitored through the IQAir website and mobile application. According to IQAir, PM2.5 levels are currently recorded at 42 micrograms per cubic metre, which indicates poor air quality. Visibility in the central region is reported to be around four kilometres, and poor air quality is expected to persist for the next two days.

Authorities noted that similar reductions in visibility have been observed in previous years with the approach of the northeast monsoon.