
Transboundary haze returns, choking Klang Valley with unhealthy air
A visit to Johan Setia in Klang, one of the worst-hit locations with an Air Pollution Index (API) of 152, revealed poor visibility of around 300 to 400 metres under a scorching, humid sky.
Residents reported that daily outdoor activities have been disrupted, with many complaining of throat irritation, eye discomfort, asthma flare-ups, and dry mouth caused by the haze.
For restaurant owner Mohd Mustakim Humayon, 59, business continues despite the gloom in the skies.
"So far, so good. We still have regular customers. But physically, I do feel more tired than usual, and I'm constantly thirsty. The dry air makes me drink more water," he said, adding that worsening conditions could soon take a toll on both health and business.
Factory worker Suliza Jaffar, 37, said her company had supplied each employee with two face masks as a precaution.
"This year's haze is quite bad. I don't remember it being this bad in recent years, but now it's back," she said, recalling the 2019 haze crisis that also stemmed from peat fires in Indonesia, which led to school closures when API levels exceeded 200.
As a preventive measure, Suliza said she plans to stay indoors, drink plenty of water, and avoid unnecessary outdoor activity.
Although the current API readings remain below the threshold for school closures, parents are already taking matters into their own hands.
Nur Amira Roslan, 29, a kindergarten teacher and mother of two from Taman Johan Indah, voiced her growing concern.
"The API hit 154 yesterday and dropped slightly to 152 today, but honestly, there's no visible difference. It still looks terrible out there.
"My children have been coughing for the past two days, so I kept them home from school today, even though it's not officially closed," she said.
Amira stressed that the issue goes beyond just wearing face masks. "It's about being able to breathe clean, safe air at home. This keeps happening almost every year, and I don't understand why the government doesn't do more to stop open burning – here or in Indonesia.
"They talk about cloud seeding, but the haze always comes back. What about installing air filters in schools or enforcing stricter regulations on illegal burning?" she asked.
As of 5pm today, Department of Environment director-general Datuk Wan Abdul Latiff Wan Jaffar reported that in addition to the five locations previously flagged, four more areas have now recorded unhealthy API levels between 100 and 200: Cheras (132), Temerloh (152), Balok Baru (152) in Pahang, and Kemaman (153) in Terengganu.
The highest API readings were in Alor Gajah, Melaka (157), and Seremban, Negeri Sembilan (155). In contrast, Putrajaya, which recorded 139 yesterday, has improved to a moderate level, with API now below 100.
API classifications are as follows: 0–50 (Good), 51–100 (Moderate), 101–200 (Unhealthy), 201–300 (Very Unhealthy), and above 300 (Hazardous).
Meanwhile, Mohd Salleh Hassan, 61, who operates a minimart in Johan Setia, said this year's haze felt denser than previous episodes.
"This year's haze is worse than before, but still not at a dangerous level. I can't even see past the traffic lights at the nearby junction, about 400 metres away," he said, pointing outside his shop.
Mohd Salleh said he noticed that the smog appeared far worse than the API figures suggested.
"Residents with breathing issues, asthma, or small children need to be extra cautious. Starting tomorrow, I'll be selling face masks at my shop. Most people don't carry masks anymore since Covid, but this is different – it's smoke," he added.
A retired government servant, Salleh also expressed concern over the impact the haze could have on an already burdened healthcare system.

Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles


The Star
a day ago
- The Star
Haze: PdPR to be implemented if API exceeds 200, says Fadhlina
KUALA LUMPUR: The Education Ministry will implement Home-Based Teaching and Learning (PdPR) if the Air Pollution Index (API) reading exceeds 200, says Fadhlina Sidek. The Education Minister said that this decision was guided by existing guidelines, which are aligned with the Natural Resources and Environmental Sustainability Ministry and the Health Ministry. "According to the guidelines, if the API exceeds 100, outdoor activities are not allowed. If it exceeds 200, PdPR will be implemented, meaning learning will take place online. "The guidelines are clear, and instructions have been given to all state directors to make prompt decisions based on the API guidance," she told reporters after officiating at the National Level Digital Utilisation and Technology Awards (Duta) 2024 here on Tuesday (July 22). According to the Malaysian Air Pollution Index Management System portal of the Environment Department (DOE), Nilai in Negri Sembilan recorded an unhealthy API of 116, and Johan Setia in Selangor recorded 154, as of 4pm on Tuesday. According to the classification by the DOE, an API reading between 101 and 200 is categorized as unhealthy and can affect high-risk groups, including the elderly, children, and individuals with respiratory illnesses. API data is released hourly based on 68 air quality monitoring stations nationwide, and the public can refer to the website APIMS or download the MyJAS EQMS app via Google Play or the App Store. – Bernama


New Straits Times
a day ago
- New Straits Times
Only Johan Setia, Nilai record unhealthy API as air quality improves
KUALA LUMPUR: Air quality in most areas has shown improvement, with only two locations in the country recording unhealthy Air Pollutant Index (API) readings amid concerns over the transboundary haze from Sumatra, Indonesia. According to hourly readings published by the Department of Environment's (DoE) Air Pollution Index Management System (APIMS), only Johan Setia in Selangor and Nilai in Negri Sembilan reported unhealthy API readings of 154 and 119, respectively. Seremban also showed improvement, with its API dropping to 81 (moderate) from 139 (unhealthy) recorded this morning. Balok Baru in Kuantan, Pahang, showed similar progress, with its API improving from an unhealthy 121 to a moderate level of 96. These locations were previously in the 'unhealthy' category, which ranges from 101 to 200 on the index. Most locations in Penang, Melaka, Perak, Kedah, Sarawak, Sabah, Johor and Terengganu recorded moderate API readings ranging between 80 and 52.


The Sun
a day ago
- The Sun
Unhealthy air quality in 4 Malaysian locations as of 10am
KUALA LUMPUR: Four locations in Malaysia recorded unhealthy Air Pollutant Index (API) readings as of 10am today, according to the Department of Environment's (DOE) Air Pollutant Index Management System (APIMS) portal. The affected areas include Seremban, Negeri Sembilan with an API of 155, Nilai (154), Johan Setia in Selangor (151), and Balok Baru in Kuantan, Pahang (140). Under the DOE classification, API levels between 101 and 200 are considered unhealthy, particularly for high-risk groups such as the elderly, children, and individuals with respiratory conditions. The API is updated hourly based on data from 68 air quality monitoring stations nationwide. Real-time updates can be accessed via the DOE website at or through the MyJAS EQMS mobile app, available on Google Play and the App Store. The Ministry of Health has issued health guidelines and preventive measures for haze episodes, accessible at Residents in affected areas are advised to limit outdoor activities and stay hydrated. - Bernama