The Ministry of Tourism is closely monitoring the haze situation that has recently emerged in the last few days. The haze is localized to specific areas along the Klang Valley where the air quality is reported to be poor and visibility is somewhat limited.

In the interest of public health safety, the Malaysian Government has declared a haze emergency at two places, namely Kuala Selangor and Port Klang, which are located over 40km and 60km respectively from Kuala Lumpur.

The haze situation is believed to be temporary and expected to change within the next few days with the shift in wind and weather conditions. The Ministry of Tourism will continue to issue regular updates on the haze situation.

Other than these localized areas, the rest of the country is haze-free. The air quality is good in Penang, Langkawi, the East Coast of Peninsular Malaysia as well as Sarawak and Sabah. Holidaymakers to the Klang Valley are advised to re-route their travel plans to these destinations.

At Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KLIA), visibility is good up to over 1,200 metres for flights to land as usual. All flights are still arriving and departing as scheduled.

Here are some useful tips for tourists as guidelines whilst vacationing in Malaysia.

• Limit all unnecessary outdoor activities
• Always wash/bathe as soon as you return from outdoors to minimize eye and skin irritation.
• For minor eye irritation, try using over-the-counter eyedrops.
• Use your car air-conditioner when traveling in the car.
• Drink lots of water and juices throughout the day and night.
• Those who suffer from diseases such as flu, bronchitis, asthma, conjunctivitis, heart or chronic lung    ailments should seek immediate treatment at the clinic or hospital if their conditions worsen.
• Tourists in the Klang Valley should opt for an alternative vacation destination not affected by the haze. Ideally, the destinations are Sabah, Sarawak, the islands of Penang and Langkawi and the east coast islands of Redang, Perhentian and Kapas.

Issued by: Communications Division, Kuala Lumpur
Date: 11 August 2005
Time: 8.00pm local time (1300 hours GMT)
Tel: 603- 2615 8188
E-mail: div-communications@tourism.gov.my
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