The haze has been blanketing Malaysia since early August

The haze phenomenon in Malaysia continues as the Air Pollution Index (API) readings are still at unhealthy levels in several areas in the country.

 

It was reported that the pollution was highly contributed by the raging forest fires catastrophe in Kalimantan and Sumatra since early August.

 

 

According to media intelligence, haze pollution started to become an issue in Malaysia in the first two weeks of August. In that month, it peaked on the 2nd with over 40 articles written on haze.

 

Then, from the 15th, the number of news written on the issue experienced a decline.

 

 

However, in September, the haze became a trending topic in the nation. The issue made its comeback on 4th September, with about 30 articles written on it.

 

Subsequently, media exposure on the haze gradually increased, reaching its peak on September 18, where it was discussed in over 500 articles.

 

The headlines on that day included the closure of government and private schools in Selangor, Ministry of Youth and Sports Syed Saddiq announcing a ‘Work from Home’ policy for its employees if the API readings exceed 200, sales of masks in Lazada went up by 18 times and etc.

 

 

Based on the map analysis, Klang Valley, Negeri Sembilan, Johor and Sarawak were the locations in Malaysia that were mentioned the most by the media when it came to the haze issue.

 

Klang Valley (Selangor, Kuala Lumpur and Putrajaya) was the initial location to show signs of haze pollution, according to a report by the Department of Meteorology Malaysia on July 31.