PETALING JAYA: The haze situation in peninsular Malaysia has improved with the Air Pollutant Index (API) showing dramatic reductions in many areas thanks to rain and a change in wind direction. 

All areas with unhealthy API readings on Monday showed better figures yesterday. 

In Selangor, the API at 5pm yesterday of all areas except Kuala Selangor and Nilai had gone down to moderate from unhealthy levels. 

Overall, the API yesterday had improved and the API of many areas had dropped further but stayed in the moderate level. 

Natural Resources and Environment Minister Datuk Azmi Khalid said when he was in Indonesia in June he met the Forestry Minister M.S. Kaban and was given the impression that they had a comprehensive plan to control the haze. 

“But the reality does not show that. The Indonesian government should have more political will instead of saying that the fires come from the slash and burn practice,” he said. 

MCA Youth vice chairman and government affairs bureau chief Boey Chin Gan said immediate action must be taken against the haze in Malaysia. 

He said Indonesia should seek help from international organisations to help curb the problem.  

The haze situation in Sarawak is expected to continue improving with winds blowing in a favourable direction and more rainfall predicted over the next few weeks, said Deputy Chief Minister Tan Sri Dr George Chan.  

According to Malaysian Tourist Guides Council president Jimmy Leong, the haze will not dent the tourism industry unless it worsens.  

He said: “This is not something new as it has become an annual event and its impact on the tourism industry will depend on its severity.” 

Leong said there were only two to three changes of bookings involving some Japanese tourists who postponed their trips due to health reasons.