KUALA LUMPUR: Is the haze back?
The Air Pollutant Index (API) in most areas may be at normal level but already, reports are coming in of hazy conditions and a burning smell in the air.
As of 1pm, Nilai registered the worst API reading at 79, followed by Pasir Gudang in Johor (74), Bukit Rambai in Malacca (73), Bandaraya Melaka (72), and Port Dickson (70).
All these five areas, however, were still within the API's moderate category.
In the Klang Valley, the burning smell of smoke hangs thick in the air despite Batu Muda and Cheras recording an API of 49 and 56, respectively, as of noon.
Among areas surpassing the 'good' API level reading are Putrajaya (62), Pelabuhan Kelang (56) and Banting (59).
Members of the public have noted that the Petronas Twin Towers in the city centre are slowly becoming less visible due to the depreciating visibility level.
The visibility levels in Petaling Jaya and Subang both recorded 6km and 1km, respectively.
An API of between 0 and 50 is categorised as good, 51 to 100 (moderate), 101 to 200 (unhealthy), 201 to 300 (very unhealthy) and 300 upwards (dangerous).
The public can refer to the portal http://apims.doe.gov.my to find out the current API readings.