KUALA LUMPUR: THE skyline in cities across the nation was shrouded in haze yesterday, accompanied by an arid, burning smell.
The Air Pollutant Index (API) readings on the Department of Environment’s website showed the highest readings were recorded in Nilai at 115 and Port Klang at 114 as of 6pm yesterday.
Areas which recorded high/moderate readings include Kuala Selangor (96), Batu Muda (96), Shah Alam (94), Petaling Jaya (94), Cheras (91), Kg Air Putih in Taiping (89), Banting (88), Seri Manjung (87), Seberang Jaya 2 in Perai (86), USM station in Penang (85), Port Dickson (85), SK Jalan Pegoh in Ipoh (83) and Bukit Rambai (80).
Thirty-two areas in the country recorded moderate readings while 16 other areas had good readings.
The areas that recorded good readings were Langkawi, SMK Tanjung Chat in Kota Baru, Tanah Merah, Kangar, Keningau, Kota Kinabalu, Sandakan, Tawau, ILP Miri, Kapit, Limbang, Miri, Sibu, Sri Aman, Kuala Terengganu and Labuan.
An API reading of between
zero and 50 indicates good air
quality; between 51 and 100 (moderate); between 101 and 200 (unhealthy); between 201 and
300 (very unhealthy); and over
301 (hazardous).
The Meteorological Department’s deputy director-general Alui Bahari said the haze was a result of forest and plantation fires in Sumatra, Indonesia, being blown into Malaysia’s airspace.
“The westerly winds are heading towards our country but this is a transition period where the wind direction could change.
“Whether Malaysia will experience a prolonged period of hazy weather will depend on wind direction,” he said, adding the haze should clear by next month as the wind would begin blowing in from the northeast.