The Department of Environment (DOE) said today that the haze (library photo) affecting Kuala Lumpur and much of Sarawak is a result of open burning in neighbouring Indonesia.

DOE director-general Rosnani Ibarahim said the there has been no open burning around Kuala Lumpur which could contribute to the haze during the past few days.

"We believe it is coming from Indonesia," she said when contacted today.

The air quality around the capital, affected since early this week, had improved with yesterday's downpour.

Rosnani declined to reveal the current Air Pollution Index (API) assessment, saying only that health advice, if necessary, would be provided by the Health Ministry.

Kalimantan fires still raging

Asked about the causal factor for the haze affecting several areas in Sarawak, Rosnani said it is also due to fires from Indonesia.

Deteriorating air quality at several areas in Sarawak had sparked fears that the 1997 smog crisis that enveloped parts of Southeast Asia could be repeated.

On Tuesday, the Sarawak Department of Environment said that air quality at the Kapit and Samarahan stations remained "unhealthy" due to persistent haze resulting from forest and ground fires from Kalimantan.

Rain in several areas helped to improve the situation but the relief is expected to be temporary as fires in Kalimantan have not been put out.