KUALA LUMPUR: Haze blanketed parts of Malaysia yesterday, weeks after the region suffered its worst pollution from forest fires in Indonesia in more than a decade.
Three areas — two in southern Malacca state and a third in Selangor near the capital Kuala Lumpur — recorded “unhealthy” air quality with readings above 100, according to the Department of Environment. In Malaysia, Air Pollutant Index readings of 100-200 are branded “unhealthy”.
A department official said the haze — caused by blazes on Indonesia’s Sumatra island due to the slash and burn method of land clearance for cultivation — was expected to continue for two to three days before rain would bring relief.
Skies were clear in Singapore yesterday, with the country’s Pollutant Standards Index reading within the “good” band, the National Environment Agency website said.
Environment Minister Vivian Balakrishnan said although Singapore was spared because of the current wind direction, the country had already contacted Indonesian authorities and the ASEAN coordinating centre “to register our major concerns”.
AFP
