MALAYSIA is facing two environmental hazards at the same time: prolonged hot weather and haze caused by regional forest and land fires. These are different hazards, but when they occur together, they deserve greater public attention.
The haze is primarily an air-pollution problem. Smoke from forest and peatland fires contains fine particles such as PM2.5 that can penetrate deep into the lungs, irritate eyes and throat, cause coughing and breathing difficulties, and may worsen existing respiratory or heart conditions.
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