Kuala Lumpur - Smog caused by Indonesian forest fires in Sumatra shrouded half of neighbouring Malaysia yesterday, causing fears of a repeat of the 1997 disaster when thick smoke engulfed parts of the region.
The smog has cut visibility in some areas to one km (half a mile) from the normal eight to 10 km, officials said. Visibility was poor along the North-South Expressway, which runs the length of peninsular Malaysia, with motorists warned to keep their distance. The Science, Technology and Environment Minister, Mr Hieng Ding, said the smog was only temporary and was no cause for alarm.