Extra-moist weather condition beginning end of March

The weather conditions are expected to be more humid beginning later this month or early April with the onset of inter-monsoon season.

The National Security Council (NSC) in a statement said, according to the Malaysian Meteorological Department, the country was now in the final phase of the Northeast Monsoon.

"A similar climate also occurred to neighbouring countries in the South-east Asian region like Thailand and Indonesia, resulting in the declaration of the drought in several of their regions," the statement said.

The haze hit the country due to domestic smoke emission caused by open burning, forest fires, vehicle smoke and factory activities.

It said the possibility of a transboundary haze was slim due to the north-easterly wind pattern.

As of 6pm Thursday, the Air Pollutant Index (API) recorded very unhealthy levels in Port Klang with a reading of 241, while 13 other areas recorded unhealthy levels namely in Selangor, Kuala Lumpur, Putrajaya and Negeri Sembilan.

The Ministry of Education has announced a temporary closure for schools affected by the haze.