The haze which has caused air pollution throughout the country, is expected to subside when the two tropical storms, Koppu and Champi, which are influencing the wind pattern become less active.

Natural Resources and Environment Minister, Datuk Seri Wan Junaidi Tuanku Jaafar said the two tropical storms which hit the Philippines and China were expected to slow down in three to four days' time.

According to him, Koppu and Champi that were still active in the Pacific Ocean, causing low pressure in the South China Sea and the southwesterly winds to blow towards this region.

The tropical storms had also affected the pattern in wind direction and bringing smoke from Sumatra and Kalimantan, Indonesia to Malaysia, he told Bernama when contacted.

However, Wan Junaidi said he was not too optimistic that the haze would be over soon following the out-of-control forest fires in Indonesia.

"The fires are spreading and the worsening haze is also caused by the southwesterly winds. The El Nino weather phenomenon that leads to lower rainfall has also worsened the situation," he said.

Wan Junaidi said the haze would subside when there was a change in wind direction from the southwest to the northeast that would bring a rainy and damp weather with thunderstorms also expected to occur.

"In the event of a fire in a neighbouring country, it will not affect the air quality in Malaysia because the wind will push the haze smoke towards the sea," he said.

According to the Department of Environment's (DOE) portal, 27 areas recorded unhealthy Air Pollutant Index (API) readings as at 6pm today.

The Education Ministry has ordered all schools in Selangor; Putrajaya; KL; Kuching, Padawan, Bau, Lundu, Serian, Samarahan, Simunjan and Lubok Antu (in Sarawak); Kinta North, Kinta South, Manjung and Tanjung Malim (Perak); and Kuala Muda and Yan (Kedah) to be closed tomorrow, due to the worsening haze.