KLANG (THE STAR/ASIA NEWS NETWORK) - Dry weather conditions along with south-westerly winds now blowing in the region, coupled with open burning are causing hazy conditions in Malaysia.

This occurrence is prevalent especially over the central part of Peninsular Malaysia, which includes the Klang Valley, said Science, Technology and Innovation Minister Madius Tangau.

He added that Malaysia is currently experiencing the south-west monsoon since the third week of May 2016, which is expected to last until mid September 2016.

"During the south-west monsoon, the atmospheric conditions throughout the country will be dry and thus, bring less rain to the country as compared to other seasons," said Datuk Seri Tangau.

Haze associated with local burning activities and transboundary haze from a neighbouring country is expected to occur during the dry weather conditions.

However, isolated afternoon rain is expected to occur throughout the country until end of this week.

"Likewise, the south westerly wind is expected to persist till end of the week.

"As such, should the transboundary haze persist or local burning activities occur, hazy weather condition could be expected in our country," said Mr Tangau.

He said based on the satellite image at 3.28pm on Tuesday (Aug 16), two hotspots were detected in Pahang and two other hotspots in Sarawak.

Twenty-three hotspots were also detected in central Sumatera and 77 hotspots in north western Kalimantan, said Mr Tangau.