KL and Cheras Register Unhealthy Air as Haze Persists
Air quality in parts of Malaysia remains at unhealthy levels, with both Kuala Lumpur and Cheras recording API (PSI) readings of 113 at 3 PM today, according to real-time data from AQI.
While this is still concerning, it marks a slight improvement compared to readings on Monday, July 21, when several areas saw API levels exceed 150, officially classified as “unhealthy.”
Earlier this week, API levels reached:
- Alor Gajah (Melaka) – 160
- Temerloh (Pahang) – 156
- Banting (Selangor) – 155
- Nilai (Negeri Sembilan) – 155
- Kemaman (Terengganu) – 153
- Cheras (KL) – 151
- Putrajaya – 124
Elsewhere, Port Dickson remained in the moderate range, though bordering unhealthy levels, with an API of 94 at 3 PM today.
Haze Caused by Over 1,200 Fire Hotspots in Sumatra
The current haze is primarily the result of escalating forest and peatland fires in Sumatra, especially in the Riau province.
As of Sunday, 20 July, Indonesia’s Meteorology, Climatology and Geophysics Agency (BMKG) reported 1,208 hotspots across Sumatra, with 586 in Riau alone.
In Rokan Hulu, fires have burned over 229 hectares, while 35 hectares of peatland have been lost in Dumai, according to Jakarta Globe.
Firefighters faced challenges reaching certain areas due to steep terrain and limited water supply, and had to rely primarily on aerial water bombing.
Indonesia Begins Cloud Seeding in Riau
To combat the fires, Indonesia launched cloud seeding operations on Monday (21 July) in Riau.
The operation is expected to run for at least seven days, according to Indonesia’s National Disaster Mitigation Agency, Malay Mail reported.
Additionally, five helicopters were deployed for aerial operations, including water bombing, while cloud seeding was carried out separately in Riau.
Malaysia Confirms Haze Has Reached Its West Coast
Malaysia’s Department of Environment (DOE) has confirmed that the haze currently affecting air quality in several parts of Peninsular Malaysia is linked to transboundary smoke from Indonesia.
According to DOE director-general Datuk Wan Abdul Latiff Wan Jaafar, the deterioration over the past 24 hours was due to smoke and haze drifting into Malaysia’s west coast, carried by regional wind patterns, Bernama reported.
While no major fires have been detected locally, Malaysian authorities noted that smaller, isolated bush and forest fires have occurred, though these are not considered the primary cause of the widespread haze.
Singapore Air Quality Still Good, But Haze Risk Remains
As of 3 PM on 23 July, Singapore has not been impacted by the haze.
The country’s 1-hour PM2.5 concentration was 20, which is within the “normal” band, according to the National Environment Agency (NEA).
However, NEA has cautioned that if dry conditions persist and hotspot activity increases, the risk of transboundary haze remains.
As of its 22 July update, NEA noted:
“The overall hotspot and smoke haze situation may intensify over fire-prone areas experiencing prolonged dry weather, with a continued risk of transboundary haze occurrence.”
NEA also noted light smoke rising from parts of central and southern Sumatra, although cloud cover made it difficult to fully assess the situation from satellite images.
Dry Weather and Winds May Keep Haze Around
The dry season in southern ASEAN, which typically runs from June to October, is known to bring a higher risk of haze, especially in areas prone to agricultural and land fires.
According to NEA, southeasterly winds are expected to continue over the region in the coming days.
It also warned that if dry weather persists, the haze situation could intensify, particularly over fire-hit areas like Sumatra.
Indonesia’s weather agency, BMKG, also observed smoke drifting northward from Riau, carried by current wind patterns, raising concern about possible further spread.
More from Wake Up Singapore:-
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Fire Breaks Out at Thailand’s Cannabis Farm, Leaving Residents Dazed and Laughing
Christmas Tree Catches Fire at a Mall in Malaysia, Quick Action Prevents Disaster
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