Malaysia imposes haze emergency in two towns

The Malaysian government today imposed a haze emergency in two towns where air pollution has exceeded hazardous levels, closing workplaces indefinitely and banning all burning activities, the national news agency Bernama reported.

“The government today announced a haze emergency for Port Klang and Kuala Selangor starting now until a date to be announced in the future,” the one-line Bernama report said.

The air pollution index, which measures harmful particles in the air, surged above the 500-point level this morning in Port Klang and Kuala Selangor because of the haze that has enveloped parts of Malaysia for more than a week.

It is the first time that the 500-level, considered an emergency situation, has been breached in peninsular Malaysia.

According to the National Security Division, a state of emergency means all government and private workplaces will be closed, including factories, construction sites and quarries.

However, supermarkets, shops selling food and drinks, pharmacies and essential services will remain open. Road work will be suspended and the use of personal motor vehicles will be discouraged.

Also banned will be all open-air burning activities such as rubbish, vegetation and barbecues.

However, there will be no curfew or restriction of movement or handing over of powers to police or army.