The haze situation in Malaysia appears to be improving with the arrival of the transition phase of the monsoon.

However, the same cannot be said about certain areas in Indonesia.

A haze emergency has been declared for Riau province as the Air Pollutant Index (API) exceeded the 500 mark.

Riau Governor, Syamsuar declared the emergency status beginning yesterday until Oct 31.

According to Bernama, Syamsuar said the Riau government now provided temporary evacuation centres which were conducive, especially for children and pregnant women.