The worsening haze has forced schools to be closed in several states in the country while flights in Kuching, Sarawak, have been cancelled.
The Education Ministry in a statement today ordered that all schools in Selangor, Kuala Lumpur, Putrajaya, Negri Sembilan, as well as Sri Aman, Kuching and Samarahan in Sarawak to be closed tomorrow.
This is based on the unhealthy and very unhealthy Air Pollutant Index (API) readings at several states and districts in the country.
Meanwhile, according to Bernama , all flights involving the Kuching-Pontianak and Pontianak-Kuching sector have been cancelled until further notice, said Kuching International Airport (KIA) general manager Mohd Nadzim Hashim.
He said four flights that were scheduled to depart and arrive here (KIA) were delayed due to the haze this morning since visibility was reduced to just 800m.
He said the delayed flights were Kuching-Kuala Lumpur, Kuching-Sibu, Kuala Lumpur-Kuching and Sibu-Kuching.
"The delay involved 333 passengers," he told Bernama when contacted.
Mohd Nadzim said flight MH2542 from Kuala Lumpur to Kuching with 65 passengers on board was diverted to Sibu, due to the worsening haze condition in Kuching.
The resurgence of the haze scourge after a brief respite last week continues to cloak Klang Valley in unhealthy levels in the 201 to 300 API range.
Malacca, Negri Sembilan, Perak and Sarawak continue to suffer unhealthy readings while Johor levels have dropped back to moderate levels.
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.
- Bernama
Related reports
PM breaks silence on haze, advises to stay indoors
Worsening haze shuts down schools, flights
MP slams gov't's 'watered down' haze readings
