Several areas in Johor Bahru hit by flash floods following heavy rain (VIDEO)

JOHOR BARU witnessed a welcome reprieve from the haze as heavy rain improved air quality in several parts of the state, though the situation remained concerning in southern districts. The Air Pollutant Index (API) dropped significantly in several areas, including Segamat, Tangkak, Batu Pahat, and Kluang, with readings falling from 160 to 90, 165 to 90, 167 to 100, and 155 to 110 respectively.

However, Pasir Gudang, Larkin, Kota Tinggi, and Pengerang continued to record unhealthy API levels of 164, 162, 155, and 152 respectively, underscoring the persistent haze issue.

At daybreak, all eight Johor monitoring stations were reporting unhealthy air quality, with Pasir Gudang at the highest at 173, followed by Larkin at 170, Batu Pahat at 167, Tangkak at 165, Kota Tinggi at 164, Pengerang at 163, Segamat at 160, and Kluang at 155. The improvement was attributed to recent rain which cleared the haze, according to the Malaysia Meteorological Department director-general Dr Mohd Hisham Mohd Anip.

He noted that the haze in southern Johor was linked to smoke from Sumatra, carried by prevailing winds during the Southwest Monsoon. The haze has also impacted neighboring Singapore, with smoke from fires in Sumatra and Kalimantan contributing to deteriorating air quality.