Haze persists in KL despite rain as winds bring more pollution, says DoE
KUALA LUMPUR: Haze continues to affect the capital despite recent rain, as winds carry smoke and pollutants into the country while high humidity and water vapour contribute to poor visibility.
Kuala Lumpur is experiencing persistent haze despite recent rainfall, as winds transport smoke and pollutants across the nation. High humidity and water vapor, along with the poor visibility it causes, have led to unhealthy Air Pollution Index (API) readings at monitoring stations in Batu Muda and Cheras, with values of 156 and 155 respectively.
DoE director Sharifah Zakiah Syed Sahab clarified that the rain was due to natural weather conditions rather than cloud seeding, and its impact on reducing haze particles was minimal. Malaysia is presently in the monsoon transition phase, which typically brings thunderstorms, heavy rain, and strong winds to the west coast and interior regions.
While PM2.5 concentrations and API readings have decreased following the rain, visibility may still be hindered by the haze, making it seem more severe than its measured values. PM2.5 particles, measuring 2.5 micrometres or smaller, can deeply penetrate the lungs. Sharifah Zakiah mentioned that high humidity and water vapor can trap dust, reducing visibility, especially during morning hours and after rainfall.
Despite the continuous unhealthy readings, the latest API trend indicates a decline. The transboundary haze has affected Malaysia's air quality since August 8, and it is expected to gradually improve over the next two weeks as wind patterns alter. Deputy Natural Resources and Environmental Sustainability Minister Syed Ibrahim Syed Noh announced this on Tuesday.
A cloud-seeding operation was performed in Kuala Lumpur, Putrajaya, and Selangor the previous month to alleviate the haze's impact.
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