New haze shrouds Malaysian skies

New haze shrouds Malaysian skies

MALAYSIA: Malaysian skies on Thursday were shrouded in a smoky haze due to increased open burning activities as well as higher levels of vehicle emission, environmental officials said.

The haze is expected to linger in several states, including the capital Kuala Lumpur, for months to come despite daily showers, said a spokesperson in the Department of Environment.

"The pollution is not expected to end soon, as the dry period from the months of May to September is approaching," she said.

However, the government has yet to impose a ban on open burning as the haze was under control, said department director Rosnani Ibarahim. --DPA