Malaysians can breath easy for the time being as the Meteorological Department predicts clear skies over the next few days.

Department spokesperson Nor Asmahwati told malaysiakini today that the satellite data at 5pm yesterday, showed that there were only four hotspots in Sumatra while there were none in Malaysia.

However, she also revealed that there are 84 hotspots in Borneo.

Asked if the significant number of hotspots in Borneo would cause haze in the peninsular, she replied that the possibility is low, due to the increased rainfall over the next few days.

Rainy days ahead

Nor Asmahwati also said the inter-monsoon season which begins in October will bring rains at night to most areas throughout the peninsula,.

Meanwhile, the Department of Environment's API figures at 5pm yesterday, showed that air quality was between 'Healthy' to 'Moderate' levels for all areas.
Today's 11am API figures has yet to be released at press time.

Last month, thick haze originating from forrest fires in Sumatra choked many Malaysian cities throughout the west-coast of the peninsula.

Subsequently, haze emergency was declared in two areas, Kuala Selangor and Port Klang for two days.

While the haze has largely cleared, sporadic cases of thick haze still continue to haunt residents of Kuala Selangor and Port Klang.