Muar and Ledang, two areas in Johor have been declared state of emergency following the worsening air quality due to smoke haze developing from fires in Indonesia. The smoke is expected to continue cause havoc in Malaysia, in coming days.
The pollution levels, which is measure through Air Pollution Index (API) reached 750 in Muar and Ledang, yesterday. API reading of 300 is considered hazardous.
Meanwhile, the streets of towns and cities such as Johor Bahru, Melaka and Kuala Lumpur, have been more quiet than normal as people stay in outdoors.
According to Department of Environment (DOE), the illegal burning of forests and other land on the Indonesian island of Sumatra has caused air quality levels to reach dangerous levels.
At 11.00am, the API readings by DOE shows that Port Dickson has reached 292, which is hazardous. Meanwhile, Kuala Lumpur showed a reading of 198. Pelabuhan Klang, Petaling Jaya, Kuantan and Kemaman API reading also indicates hazardous level.
At 4:00pm, CJ Jez Tay from Johor Bahru reported a slight drizzle in Jalan Rosmerah, Johor Bahru.
Citizen Journalists Malaysia, through the contribution of Citizen Journalists all over the country, will be compiling photographs of the haze situation. This will be updated on hourly basis.
If you do wish to contribute, please write to [email protected]