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.