SHAH ALAM, 15 Sept: The haze in the evening did not show much change in the Air Pollutant Index (API) which is currently showing unhealthy readings in some places in Selangor.

The Selangor Exco for Environment, Elizabeth Wong, said that so far, Banting recorded API readings of 170, Port Klang (162) and most other areas still recorded readings of 150.

“Avoid outdoor activities, but if needed, use appropriate face masks to prevent coughing, sore throat and so on,” Elizabeth said when contacted by Selangor Kini today.

When touching on the fire in Sumatera, Elizabeth said that the government in Sumatera has declared disaster to the residents there.

“The haze in the West Coast of the Peninsula will continue as long as the fire in Sumatera cannot be extinguished and this results in us not being to predict when the haze will end because it depends on wind and the fire fighting efforts in Sumatera,” added Elizabeth.

Prior to this, the Ministry of Education announced late last night that 2,045 schools in five states, Selangor, Kuala Lumpur, Putrajaya, Malacca and Negeri Sembilan, will be closed today because the API readings are at unhealthy levels.

NS