PETALING JAYA: The worsening haze is affecting everyone, but newspaper vendors who use motorcycles are among those most affected.

N. Punethan, a vendor here, has been coughing frequently of late and also finds it difficult to see oncoming vehicles when making deliveries in the morning.

Both Tan Teck Wai and P. Prabhu, who distribute papers in Damansara Kim and SS3 here, respectively, said the air pollution also irritated their eyes and made them feel a little sick.

In view of the deteriorating air quality, Star Publications (M) Bhd presented masks to a group of vendors at its store in Section 13 yesterday.

“The haze has worsened, especially in areas around Petaling Jaya. That's why newspaper vendors need to take extra precautions,” said circulation executive S. Prabaker Rao, who handed out the masks to the vendors together with marketing representative G. Vijayakumar.