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 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”. 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 neighbouring 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.