Malaysia’s smog leads to state of emergency

Malaysia has declared a state of emergency in two districts after smog caused by fires in Indonesia reached harzardous levels.

Singapore, Malaysia and Indonesia have all been affected by smog which is believed to have been caused by illegal land clearing fires on the island of Sumatra.

In Malaysia, coastal towns of Muar and Ledang are in shutdown, and residents have been advised to stay indoors.

Air pollution has also worsened in the capital, Kuala Lumpur.

Smog has become an annual problem in Malaysia, but this is the first time in eight years that a state of emergency has been called, reports the BBC.

Tourists in Singapore were advised to limit outdoor activities as the smog reached record levels in the city-state on Friday, see previous story.

Although nearly a hundred forest fires are still burning on the Indonesian island, according to authorities, the smog lifted in Singapore at the weekend revealing blue skies.