SMOKE in Johan Setia, Klang, has persisted, becoming the only area to record unhealthy air levels in Malaysia today.

The area’s Air Pollution Index (API) as at 11am was 113, an improvement to yesterday’s readings at more than 300. 

API levels determine that air quality is good at between 0-50, moderate (51-100), unhealthy (101-200), very unhealthy (201-300) and hazardous (more than 301).

Johan Setia has been plagued by open burning issues for the past decade due to peat soil in the area. 

Areas affected by the smoke are Bandar Puteri, Bandar Bukit Rimau, Bandar Bukit Tinggi, Bandar Botanic, Bandar Parklands and Kota Kemuning. 

Energy, Technology, Science, Climate Change and Environment Minister Yeo Bee Yin reportedly said the smoke was also being exacerbated by open burning in Sumatra and Kalimantan in Indonesia. 

She said she had ordered for cloud-seeding operations in Johan Setia. 

Yeo also instructed that 10 water tanks be provided by state authorities to assist in firefighting operations. –  August 17, 2018.