Haze from Indonesian forest fires returns to Malaysia
AFP | 2013-7-22 23:28:01
By AFP
Haze blanketed parts of Malaysia on Monday, 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 Kuala Lumpur, recorded "unhealthy" air quality with readings above 100, according to the Malaysian Department of Environment.
In Malaysia, Air Pollutant Index readings of 100-200 are branded "unhealthy". Readings in much of the rest of the country were below 100 at "moderate" levels.
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.
Malaysia and neighboring Singapore last month choked on the worst haze in more than a decade, with readings of more than 300 marking "hazardous" air quality in some parts of Malaysia.
The pollution scared off tourists, forced schools to close and caused a rise in respiratory illnesses.
Skies were clear in Singapore on Monday, with the country's Pollutant Standards Index reading within the "good" band, the National Environment Agency website said.
Singapore's Environment Minister Vivian Balakrishnan said although Singapore was spared because of the current wind direction, the country had already contacted Indonesian authorities "to register our major concerns."
AFP
