Air quality in several areas around the country has deteriorated due to the haze, according to the Air Pollutant Index (API) readings on the Department of Environment website.

The reading for three areas in Peninsular Malaysia passed the 'unhealthy' mark: Nilai (109) and Seremban (107) in Negeri Sembilan; and Bukit Rambai (100) in Malacca.

Kuala Lumpur recorded a 'moderate' 71 at 11am.

The situation was worse in Sarawak and parts of Sabah: Petra Jaya (187), Samarahan (177), Kuching (171), Sri Aman (167), Sarikei (136), Sibu (135), Tawau (133), Bintulu (123) and Miri (103).

The readings were marginally higher at 5pm today with Petrajaya posting 213 to be in the 'very unhealthy' range [ see chart] . Kuala Lumpur's API had risen to 87.

DOE's readings can be accessed here .

API readings range from 0-50 (good), 51-100 (moderate), 101-200 (unhealthy) and 201-300 (very unhealthy).

At anything above 300, the level is deemed hazardous to human health.

Breathing problems

Consumer Association of Subang and Shah Alam president and legal adviser Jacob George said the association has received dozens of phone calls from parents of school-going children, asking whether the haze is expected to worsen.

"It is disappointing that citizens have received no proper warning from the authorities," he said when contacted.

Jacob said children and the elderly are especially susceptible to air pollutants, and that those fasting for Ramadan may find that their immune system may not withstand the adverse effect either.

"We have received reports involving breathing difficulty among older persons and children, as well as cases of eye irritation, sinus problems and inflamation. We suspect that this might a repeat of last year," he said.

A state of emergency was declared on Aug 10 last year after API readings in some areas exceeded 400, resulting in the closure of Port Klang.

The haze was linked to the peat soil, bush and forest fires in Indonesia.

In response Malaysia sent 125 fire fighters, while Australia has sent 12 bush fire experts to fight more than 1,000 forest and scrub fires. Malaysia extended cloud seeding operations to include Indonesia the same month.