Over the last week or so, Segamat has slowly been enveloped by haze. This morning, the haze is clearly visible and you can smell it. I've heard a number of people complaining of respiratory problems such as coughing, allergies, sore eyes, sneezing and itchy throats.

In 2006, Malaysia experienced the worst haze with smoke coming over from the Kalimantan peat fires. Peat fires produce great amounts of smoke, burn a long time and are difficult to extinguish. The fires burn for months and release gases that produce sulfuric acid. It's no wonder people are starting to cough and sneeze.

This year there has been very little rain over the last few months, creating ideal conditions for peat fires to burn. The department of Environment has monitoring stations around the country. The stations closest to Segamat are situated in Muar, Johor and Kuantan, Pahang. The reading taken this morning at 7am was 60 (Moderately unhealthy) for Muar but 141 for Kuantan which is Unhealthy.