Smoke haze persists over Kuala Lumpur for second week

Malaysia has been dealing with persistent cross-border smoke haze for several weeks. Despite repeated rainfall, polluted air over Kuala Lumpur has shown little sign of dispersing, while the national weather agency says it is still unable to give a clear timeline for improvement.

In the capital, air quality readings have remained at levels considered unhealthy for around two weeks. Similar conditions have been reported in nearby districts, where passing showers have done little to clear the smoke.

Ambun Dindang, deputy director general of the Malaysian Meteorological Department, said rainfall alone cannot fully remove the haze because the source of the smoke remains active and winds continue to carry pollution toward Malaysia.

The weather agency has linked the situation to forest and land fires in several parts of Indonesia. Smoke from the fires has been drifting across borders in recent weeks and affecting air quality in neighboring countries.

The prolonged haze is already disrupting daily life in Kuala Lumpur. Open-air restaurants and food stalls, a familiar part of the city's urban scene, have reported fewer customers as residents and tourists avoid spending extended periods outdoors.

Schools have also been affected. Local authorities and educational institutions are adjusting schedules according to forecasts and air quality readings, while some schools have already temporarily suspended classes.

Authorities have advised the public to monitor official air quality and weather bulletins and reduce outdoor activity when necessary.

According to the Malaysian Meteorological Department, there is still no definitive timetable for the haze to clear. Any improvement will largely depend on a change in wind direction.

According to CCTV+, cross-border smoke haze continues to affect Malaysia, disrupting daily life, schools and parts of the urban economy.