Transboundary haze returns, choking Klang Valley with unhealthy air

New Straits Times

5 days ago

KLANG: The return of transboundary haze from Indonesia's forest fires has triggered public frustration and health concerns across parts of Selangor and Kuala Lumpur, where air quality has dipped to unhealthy levels.
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.