A haze has developed to torment the people already suffering from the hot and dry weather brought on by the El Nino phenomenon.

As as 11am today, the haze in Port Klang, Selangor, and Miri, Sarawak, was at unhealthy levels of 105 and 146, respectively, according to the portal of the Department of Environment.

The Air Pollutant Index was at the moderate level in 28 places, among them Shah Alam (83), Nilai (80), Batu Muda (79), Banting (76), Petaling Jaya (74), Cheras (73) and Kemaman (71).

An API reading of 0 to 50 indicates good air quality; 51 to 100, moderate; 101 to 200, unhealthy; 201 to 300, very unhealthy and 300 and above, hazardous.

Natural Resources and Environment Minister Wan Junaidi Tuanku Jaafar said in a statement last night that the haze in the Klang Valley was caused by fires in several areas in the peninsula, including peatland forests in Kuala Langat and Sepang.

Members of the public can refer to the portal apims.doe.gov.my to obtain the current API reading.

- Bernama