KUALA LUMPUR, Oct 8 (Bernama) -- The haze returning this morning in the central and south-western parts of Peninsular Malaysia particularly Selangor, Negeri Sembilan and Melaka was due to fluctuating wind conditions, said the Meteorological Department.

The low visibility levels in the coastal areas of the east coast states, Selangor, Negeri Sembilan and Melaka were also due to southerly and south-easterly winds continuing to transport haze particulates to the region from sources in southern Sumatra as well as Kalimantan, it said.

As at 2 pm today, the visibility levels at these areas had deteriorated with Melaka, Kuantan and Sepang having levels fluctuating between 1.0 and 1.6km.

The department also indicated that in Sarawak, changing wind conditions and rain in central Sarawak yesterday had helped improved the haze situation there with visibility in the eastern parts of the state at above 4km.

However, in Kuching and Sri Aman it was still low, hovering around 2.5km.

In Sabah, the haze condition had improved with visibility above 6km reported in the most parts of the state except for Sandakan where it was at 3km at 2pm today.

On the weather outlook, in Peninsular Malaysia, the department said winds were expected to change direction and expected to be blowing from the north-west by tonight.

"Once this happens, the haze condition over the northern part of Peninsular Malaysia is expected to improve further from Monday onwards," the department said.

For the southern and central parts, the situation will depend on the wind conditions and may take a longer time to improve.

In Sarawak, gradual improvement in the haze condition can be expected. However, if the wind direction is southerly again, the haze situation may return.

In Sabah, the situation is expected to improve as there will be more atmospheric convection, said the department.