It's business not as usual in Kuala Lumpur today as outdoor business operators have to contend with the effects of the haze, in addition to the Ramadan slowdown.

When approached by malaysiakini today, many of these small business holders said they expected the haze to be as bad as last year's and urged the authorities to quickly find a solution.

Air pollutant index readings by the Department of Environment this morning recorded an increase in the number of areas with unhealthy air quality levels - from 10 yesterday to 14 this morning.

Many parts of Kuala Lumpur experienced brief showers late afternoon today, with little or no impact on the haze.

When malaysiakini visited traders in Brickfields, many complained that their business was badly affected by the haze.

Drinks and beverage hawker Thilaga said: "The haze has covered everything, so it's not as hot but still we don't get as many people who want to buy drinks".

Street food hawkers meanwhile lamented that customers no longer want to spend long periods of time sitting outdoors. Coffee shops are however still filled to capacity.

"Customers don't feel as affected if they sit indoors," said Tsu, who a runs a coffee shop here.

Gaia ( right ), a college student who is helping out with the family's hawking business, said, "The government should do something to help the small businesses... It doesn't look good."

Tourists talk

Malaysiakini also spoke to some tourists about the haze. Many complained that they had to reschedule their trip to the city.

Shevon Kaeling, who is in Kuala Lumpur on a three-day stopover from England to Australia, said, "We're certainly not going up the tower (Petronas towers) or anything. (But) We're going to make the most of it."

Annie, a French tourists said she intended to take home photographs of Kuala Lumpur enveloped in the haze.

English couple, John and Kate ( pix ), who has been in the country for two days, said they are likely to change plans if the haze worsens, and visit Cameron Highlands instead.

"The haze hasn't really affected us really. We don't get a view if we go up the skyscraper though," said John.

Local residents however were not as laid back.

Businessman John Fong felt the pollution was most harmful to children.

A father of two, Fong said, he was worried for his children and other kids.

"I have to get my children home as quickly as possible. I don't want them to breath in any of the pollution."

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