Smog unhealthy in KL, S'pore

Smog unhealthy in KL, S'pore

KUALA LUMPUR (Reuters): The smoky haze blanketing parts of
Southeast Asia returned to unhealthy levels yesterday in the
Malaysian capital Kuala Lumpur after a week-long respite, the
Department of Environment said.

The smog, caused by forest and brush fires in Indonesia,
reached 101 -- classified as "unhealthy" -- on Malaysia's Air
Pollutant Index at 10 a.m. Jakarta time against a "normal" level
of 44 Monday, the Department of Environment said.

The smog cut visibility and thickened already humid air over
the capital, where leaders from Group of 15 developing countries
were holding their annual three-day summit.

In Singapore, the Pollutants Standard Index (PSI) climbed to
106 at 3 p.m. Jakarta time yesterday, the Environment Ministry
said.

PSI levels of 101 or higher are considered unhealthy, and
bring government warnings for the sick and elderly to reduce
physical exertion and outdoor activities, and for the general
public to cut back on vigorous outdoor exercise.