Environment minister Nik Nazmi Nik Ahmad says Malaysia is still 'seriously' considering a law similar to Singapore that holds companies liable for air pollution.

The Department of Environment says air quality is deteriorating, particularly in the western part of the peninsula.

IQAir.com, which tracks air quality around the world, says New York is enduring the worst air quality index of any major city in the world.

There have been 184,465 hospital admissions this week alone.

The public has been advised to limit time spent outdoors.

Deputy Education Minister Lim Hui Ying says schools will be told to close in the event of an API reading of 200 and above.

Seberang Jaya had an air pollutant index reading of 151 as of 10am.

MetMalaysia says the influence of external factors like tropical storms in neighbouring countries could cause dry condition in the peninsula.

Current severe conditions may ease by Saturday, but air quality is expected to remain 'very poor' until Nov 17.

World leaders have gathered in Scotland this week for COP26 negotiations billed as one of the last chances to avert catastrophic climate change, though Chinese President Xi Jinping made a written address instead of attending in person.

Experts have warned for years about the threat posed by Jakarta's smog to the health of residents, especially children.

They say while smog towers may work they are just a pinprick against the vehicle fumes, construction dirt, industrial emissions and agricultural stubble burning that engulf the city.