PUTRAJAYA: The haze enveloping several areas in the Klang Valley today is due to the forest and peat fires in the central part of the peninsular such as Selangor and Pahang.
Natural Resources and Environment Minister Datuk Seri Dr Wan Junaidi Tuanku Jaafar said the emission of carbon dioxide from vehicles and industries in the Klang Valley were also among the main contributors to the haze.
"The forest fires in Bekenu and Marudi, Sarawak has caused haze in Miri.
"The hot and dry weather has caused an increase in fire cases which lead to haze.
"The Fire and Rescue Department is continuously battling fires and open burning cases and so far, the situation is under control." he said in a statement.
As of 12 noon, the Air Pollutant Index reading in Pelabuhan Klang and Miri breached unhealthy levels at 105 and 143, respectively.
Wan Junaidi said the Environment Department has been monitoring the fire cases from January.
The fire locations are at Mukim Beris Lalang and Mukim Beoh, Kelantan; Kuala Langat Selatan Forest Reserve, Selangor; peat swamp fire in Gunung Arong Forest Reserve, Johor; forest fire in Kampung Durian Guling, Terengganu; and forest fire in Bekenu and Marudi, Sarawak.
He said there is no influence of transboundary haze as the country is still in the monsoon transition season, expected to last until middle of May.
He reminded all parties to not carry out open burning or let their lands and premises be trespassed by irresponsible parties to conduct open burning.