Visibility of KL Tower, Petronas Twin Towers blocked by haze

Popular landmarks in the capital including the country's tallest structures, KL Tower and Petronas Twin Towers, were shrouded by haze as air quality and visibility worsened towards the afternoon.

Checks by Bernama revealed that sundry shops and stalls have started selling face masks at their outlets while many people are seen wearing masks when outdoors.

Tourists were left disappointed as most popular landmarks in the capital were not visible for photography.

Based on the air pollutant index (API) displayed on the Department of Environment's (DOE) portal, two areas in Kuala Lumpur recorded unhealthy API readings namely Batu Muda (136) and Cheras (139) while the reading for Putrajaya was 153.

A reading of between 0 to 50 is categorised as good, 51 to 100 (moderate), 101 to 200 (unhealthy), 201 to 300 (very unhealthy) and above 300 (hazardous).

Meanwhile, in Selangor, six areas have unhealthy air quality at 7 am this morning.

According to the DOE website, the API reading at Shah Alam was 133, Klang 121, Banting (120), Johan Setia Klang (158), Petaling Jaya (135) and Kuala Selangor (106).

In Perak, Seri Manjung in Lumut was the first area in the state to record an API reading of 123 at 10 am this morning.

In Negeri Sembilan, Nilai, Seremban and Port Dickson which recorded unhealthy API since last night have higher API today.

According to the API Management System, the API reading at 10 am in Nilai was 155 compared to 152 on Tuesday, Seremban 129 (121 on Tuesday) while Port Dickson was 113 (105 on Tuesday).

In Sarawak, as at 8 am, only three areas in the state recorded unhealthy air quality with API readings under 200 namely Sri Aman (170), Kuching (156) and Samarahan (140).

Ten more areas recorded moderate API are Sibu (80), S.K Baram (73) , Mukah (78), Miri (74), Bintulu (85), Samalaju (78), Kapit (67), Limbang (55), Sarikei (75) and ILP Miri (74).

All schools in nine districts in Sarawak which were closed yesterday due to haze, have reopened today.

-Bernama