Malaysia declared a state of emergency due to haze

The Malaysian government on June 23 announced a state of emergency in the southern Muar and Ledang areas of the country, due to haze from Indonesian forest fires causing serious air pollution in these two areas. .

>>>Smoke from Indonesia covers Malaysia's city

Malaysian Environment Minister G. Palanivel said that on the morning of June 23, the measured air pollution index (API) in Mua (Muar) was 750 - the highest level in Malaysia during the last 16 years, while Air pollution levels in the other two towns are also at dangerous levels. The API index measured in Kuala Lumpur also shows the level of "unhealthy".

Haze in Kuala Lumpur.(Source: AFP)

Hundreds of schools at Buy have been ordered to close from June 20, while many people have to cover their faces when leaving the street.

Blind smoke is an annual problem in this area during the hot and dry summer months, when smoke from forest fires and fires caused by Indonesian people on Sumatra island burn trees to spread land through the Strait of Malacca. Malaysia and Singapore. In 2005, the Malaysian Government also declared a state of emergency when the API index exceeded 500.

The most serious haze, with record air pollution in 1997-1998, has caused Southeast Asia to lose $ 9 billion, due to aviation and other business activities. interruption.