23 Sep 2019 | 12:18 PM UTC
Malaysia: Flight disruptions persist due to hazy conditions September 23 /update 5
Haze continues to affect several states due to ongoing fires, September 23; flight disruptions may continue in the coming days
Event
As of Monday, September 23, flight disruptions have been reported in Ipoh Airport (IPH) following poor visibility due to hazy conditions (dust, smoke, and vapor) caused by large-scale forest and agricultural fires ongoing in Sumatra and Borneo Islands, Indonesia. As of publication, two flights have been canceled. Additional cancellations are possible in the coming days.
At 12:00 (local time), indicators show that air quality has improved from unhealthy to moderate in several areas and the Malaysian Air Pollution Index Management (APIMS) portal only registered very unhealthy air quality levels in Selangor state, with an Air Pollution Indexes (API) reaching 216 in the city of Klang.
The ASEAN Specialized Meteorological Center (ASMC) has forecast an ease of hazy conditions in the region in the coming days due to rainfall, despite fires in Sumatra and Borneo islands persisting under the prevailing dry weather in the south.
Context
Malaysia frequently experiences air pollution (haze) caused by forest fires in Indonesia between June to October.
An API reading of 0-50 is considered good, 51-100 moderate, and 101-200 unhealthy.
Advice
Individuals present in Malaysia are advised to monitor Air Pollutant Index Management System (APIMS) updates and health advisories issued by the Malaysian Department of Environment. Seek medical assistance if needed and anticipate possible transportation disruptions.
