KL declares alert on worsening haze

KL declares alert on worsening haze

KUALA LUMPUR (Reuter): Malaysia's environment ministry yesterday declared a nation-wide alert as pollution levels from a haze that has shrouded the country since August worsened and advised wearing surgical masks if necessary.

Environment Minister Law Hieng Ding said Malaysia's air quality index was at 247 or at a very unhealthy level at 0100 GMT yesterday. An index level of 300 is considered hazardous.

Law said the ministry will recommend the government impose mandatory cuts on industrial fuel burning, reduce the number of vehicles on the road, close schools, and declare public holidays if the situation worsens.

The haze, which has also blanketed neighboring Singapore and Brunei, has been blamed on thick smoke from forest fires raging in Indonesia's Kalimantan and Sumatra islands.