A reader sent this comparison of the view from a balcony

Mark Munson was visiting Malaysia on business and he gave this update of the situation in Cyber Jaya in Selangor.

As we made our descent into Malaysia, you could smell the smoke on the plane.

It didn't worry me, but it was obvious that something was going on.

Visibility was extremely poor. Normally, as you fly in, you get the most amazing view of the country, but I couldn't see anything. I was staying in Cyber Jaya, which is one of the worst-affected areas.

It's an orange haze over the entire region and the atmosphere is very oppressive. My throat and eyes are extremely dry. I am very concerned about the state of my health.

Ashley Sneah Jia Ling is a design student who lives in Selangor.

I can't open any windows because it's too hazy. I can't hang my clothes out to dry because they will smell of smoke. Masks are sold out, so I couldn't get any.

Furthermore, the water at my place is contaminated. We can't use it for drinking or cooking. The shops outside are also closed. There have been lots of accidents as vehicles can hardly see the road through the thick smog.

HAVE YOUR SAY There have been lots of accidents as vehicles can hardly see the road Ashley Sneah Jia Ling, Selangor Send us your comments

I have classes to attend everyday and I take the bus to college. While waiting for the bus, I breathe in the polluted air. Schools have closed but it's hard for us university students because we have a schedule to follow.

I'm really worried about the future. Can you imagine walking and doing everything carrying an oxygen tank with you? If the haze doesn't get better, I'll have to get back to my home town. I can't afford to get sick.

Johnson Yap works for a direct sales firm in the heart of Kuala Lumpur and says the smog makes him "dizzy".

A reader took this photo just outside Kuala Lumpur on August 11

The smog this year is worse than the one we experienced in 1998. Now, we can actually smell it - it's like burning wood splashed with water. It makes you feel dizzy.

I work in a building in the heart of the city and even inside my room, I feel discomfort in my lungs. I travel a lot in my job but because of this haze I dare not go out of the office. We even stay in for lunch.

Why is there no action from the Indonesian government to stop the burning and the land clearances? Aren't there other ways to clear land?