Heavy Haze Hits Parts Of Malaysia, Air Quality Reaches Unhealthy Levels
Yep, The Haze Is Back
If you woke up this morning wondering why everything outside suddenly looked grey, you’re not imagining things. Heavy haze has covered several parts of Malaysia, with Kuala Lumpur recording an Air Quality Index (AQI) of 141 at 8am today, 11 August, which falls under the unhealthy range.
Ipoh wasn’t looking great either, recording an AQI of 106, which is unhealthy for sensitive groups. Several other areas across Peninsular Malaysia were still below 100, but East Malaysia appears to be getting hit much harder. Kuching recorded an AQI of 170, Bintulu reached 155, while an area several kilometres north of Kota Kinabalu recorded 130.
So Where Is All This Haze Coming From?
According to The Star, a combination of dry weather, the intensifying El Nino phenomenon and fires in Indonesia could be behind the return of the seasonal haze.
UKM climatologist Prof Dr Fredolin Tangang explained that dry conditions in southern Sumatra and Kalimantan have increased the risk of forest fires. At the same time, south-westerly winds during the Southwest Monsoon can carry the smoke towards Sarawak. He also warned that the current El Nino is expected to become stronger towards the end of 2026.
Universiti Malaya meteorologist Emeritus Prof Datuk Dr Azizan Abu Samah said July to September is also commonly the open-burning season in Sumatra and Kalimantan. Rain could temporarily clear the air in places like Kuala Lumpur, but that doesn’t necessarily mean the haze is gone for good. Once the south-westerly winds return, the smoke can come right back.
If dry conditions continue in Sumatra and Kalimantan, the hazy conditions could potentially stick around until September.
Might Want To Take It Easy Outdoors
With the air quality reaching unhealthy levels in several places, spending less time outdoors might be a good idea for now, especially for sensitive groups.
If you do need to head outside, an N95 mask can help reduce exposure to fine particles. At home, keeping your windows and balcony doors closed can prevent polluted outdoor air from getting inside, while running an air purifier may also help.
Anyone with respiratory conditions such as asthma or bronchitis should pay closer attention to how they’re feeling and seek medical attention if breathing becomes difficult.
And maybe this doesn’t need saying, but apparently it does: this is really not the time to start burning rubbish or dry leaves outside.
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