Local contributor to haze

PETALING JAYA: Factors occurring within the country may be contributing to the current haze situation.
Figures from the Department of Environment on Aug 4 show that there have been 4,427 cases of open burning this year, with the highest number in Selangor.
These comprise fires at forests, construction sites, landfills and open burning by individuals.
The air pollutant index (API) reading in Port Klang reached a peak of 116 today while 31 areas registered good air quality and 19 other locations had moderate readings.
"The high API in Port Klang is most likely due to opening burning near the area," said Meteorology Department scientist Mohd Hisham Mohd Anip.
A change of wind direction from south-west to east-west is also expected later in the week, he said.
"The change of wind direction will be a good sign as it will blow away the smoke coming from Indonesia and haze will be reduced," he added.
As of Aug 4, there were 18 hotspots in Sumatra, 42 in Indonesia and 33 in Kalimantan.
In Malaysia, there were 24 hotspots in Sarawak, 17 in Sabah and one in Selangor.
All the hotspots in Malaysia will be investigated, Natural Resources and Environment Minister Datuk Seri G. Palanivel said in a statement.