KUALA LUMPUR, Oct 22 — The Natural Resources and Environment Ministry has advised Malaysians to cut down on driving, especially in haze-hit areas.

Its minister Datuk Seri Dr Wan Junaidi Tuanku Jaafar said traffic congestion was one of the factors contributing to the choking smog enveloping parts of the country.

He said cars caught in traffic jams emitted large amounts of carbon gases that mixed with the haze lingering in the air.

This, he said, came after the ministry noted with concern the pollution index in the southern parts of the Klang Valley such as Banting and Cheras appeared to be increasing.

“From close examination, this is not just about the haze but also about emission from cars.

“When cars slow down, they emit a lot of ozone and carbon gases which mix with the suspended particles from the haze. The areas with particularly high readings have a high incidence of pollutants from motor vehicles on the road,” he told reporters outside Parliament yesterday.

Wan Junaidi advised the public to avoid using their cars during the ongoing haze season.

“If there is no necessity, don’t use your vehicles because it increases the pollutants in the air. Congestion is a minor contributor, but its role is increasing,” he said.

Wan Junaidi said, however, that there was no incidence of the reported red or yellow haze conditions.

He explained the phenomenon was reportedly sighted in Indonesia, but not in Malaysia.

He also revealed that Indonesia was currently trying to carry out cloud-seeding operations. However, he noted that this measure was largely dependent on the presence of thick cumulus clouds.

“If the clouds are not thick enough, they are unable to carry water,” he said

He reiterated the ministry was trying to improve the country’s air pollution monitoring systems.

“At the moment, we have 52 stations and we will be adding another 13.

“The index will give readings almost in real time and we will be able to read finer particles.”

Transport Minister Datuk Seri Liow Tiong Lai said the prolonged haze problem has caused the transportation industry to suffer heavy losses.

“I can confirm they are suffering from heavy losses,” Liow said after officiating at the opening of Kolej Tengku Abdul Rahman’s new vocational wing.

“But we cannot give the figures yet as the haze is an ongoing problem and we are still in the process of collecting data.”

Liow added that the flight industry was among the heaviest hit as airlines were forced to either delay or cancel flights due to poor visibility.