Not so clear day: Haze obscures the view of the Penang Bridge. At the time when this photo was taken, Penang’s API measured at about 100. — Bernama
PETALING JAYA: Kuala Lumpur, Selangor, Putrajaya, Negri Sembilan and several northern states experienced haze yesterday as their Air Pollutant Index (API) recorded unhealthy levels.
The API in Kuala Lumpur recorded an average of 154.5, with Cheras being affected the worst at 155 and Batu Muda at 153.
The API in Selangor showed an average API of 127.4, with Petaling Jaya affected the worst at 153 and Klang the least at 88.
The Meteorological Department considers unhealthy API levels to be between 101 and 200.
Almost hidden: The Kuala Lumpur skyline, as seen from Jalan Tunku Putra, shrouded in haze at around 12.40pm yesterday. — IZZRAFIQ ALIAS/The Star
Putrajaya recorded an API of 117, Taiping, Perak at 131 and Seberang Jaya, Penang at 110.
Haze readings started to pick up gradually from 5am onwards.
The Asean Specialised Meteorological Centre (ASMC) said the haze was caused by smoke plumes over Sumatra blown towards the northwest by prevailing winds.
“Under the prolonged dry weather, elevated hotspot activity and widespread hazy conditions are expected to persist over the fire-prone areas in southern and central Sumatra and southern Kalimantan.
“The prevailing winds are forecast to blow mainly from the southeast,” it said.
