Woke Up With A Scratchy Throat & Burning Eyes? Here’s What’s Going On

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If you've been feeling like your nose is working overtime, your eyes are stinging for no reason, or your throat's weirdly dry — yeah, welcome back to that time of year

The haze has returned to Malaysia, thanks to a combination of forest fires on Indonesia's Sumatra island and local fires occurring here at home.

So… where's all this smoke coming from?

Short answer: Both Indonesia and Malaysia are experiencing a surge in fires.

In Indonesia's Riau province, more than 140 forest and peatland fires have been reported in the past few days, primarily in Rokan Hilir and Rokan Hulu. The fires have already scorched about 46 hectares of land, and visibility in some areas has dropped to as low as 1km, according to AP.

Satellite data from Indonesia's weather agency confirmed that the smoke is drifting northeast, with haze already crossing into Negeri Sembilan.

But that's not the whole story.

Back home, Malaysia has been battling its own fires too.

According to Fire and Rescue Department director-general Datuk Nor Hisham Mohammad, more than 7,200 fire cases have been recorded so far this year, ranging from bush and field fires to open burning.

One forest fire in Bukit Kajang Prima on 19 July burned 1.2 hectares and required 22 firefighters and four engines to put it out. Another blaze later broke out near Bukit Jalil.

So yeah, it's not just our neighbours.

You're not imagining it; the air really is gross

According to readings from Malaysia's Environment Department, Air Pollutant Index (API) levels shot up over the weekend and even today, 21 July, in at least eight areas:

• Alor Gajah, Melaka – 159
• Nilai, Negeri Sembilan – 158
• Mentakab, Pahang – 156
• Banting, Selangor – 155
• Cheras, Kuala Lumpur – 152
• Johan Setia, Selangor – 152
• Putrajaya – 123
• Bukit Rambai, Melaka – 103

Anything above 100 is considered unhealthy, and these numbers are edging into the please-stay-inside zone.

The Asean Specialised Meteorological Centre has even activated a Level 2 transboundary haze alert, which basically means things might get worse before they get better, especially if the dry weather continues.

If you're in an area with poor air quality:

• Stay indoors as much as possible.
• Use N95 masks if you need to go outside.
• Keep windows shut and turn on air purifiers or fans with filters.
• Drink lots of water — your throat will thank you.
• Avoid outdoor workouts or long walks unless the air clears up.