Twenty-two Malaysian areas remain at unhealthy air quality levels

KUALA LUMPUR — Haze continued to affect large sections of peninsular Malaysia on Monday, with air quality readings at 22 locations classified as unhealthy for sensitive groups and the general population. The persistent atmospheric conditions saw visibility reduced across multiple states as smoke from various sources accumulated in the region's airspace. Environmental quality officials said monitoring stations across the country were tracking the situation closely throughout the morning hours. Residents in affected areas were advised to limit outdoor activities and take precautionary measures to protect their health. Authorities did not immediately specify the primary causes of the haze or provide forecasts on when conditions were expected to improve. The Malaysian Department of Environment urged vulnerable populations, including children, elderly persons, and those with respiratory conditions, to remain indoors and use air filtration where possible.