video transcript

PLEASE NOTE: EDIT CONTAINS CONVERTED 4:3 MATERIAL Malaysia's capital was still choking in smoke on Monday despite neighbouring Indonesia's efforts to put out the illegal fires causing it. Malaysia's declared a state of emergency in parts of the south. The smoke, which is also affecting Singapore, has pushed pollution to record levels. (SOUNDBITE)(English) ANGEL, PHILIPPINES NATIONAL WORKING IN KUALA LUMPUR, SAYING: "I have asthma condition so it is, but my housemates, they don't have asthma but they're all wearing masks today because it's really bad at the moment." (SOUNDBITE)(English) AZHAR, RESIDENT OF KUALA LUMPUR, SAYING: I didn't expect it to be so bad this morning. It was worse, it was clearer at about 7 (a.m) just now." Indonesia's so far spent about 20 million dollars tackling the fires which were lit to clear land for palm oil plantation. By Sunday some reports said 3, 700 hectares of forest and other land had been destroyed. Indonesia's brought in military aircraft to help fight the fires in the Riau province of Sumatra. Their efforts include cloud seeding and water-bombing. On the ground fire-fighters were struggling to bring the flames under control. Indonesia's blaming eight companies for starting the fires and is expected to name more. The smoke has raised health fears and diplomatic tensions. Singapore's warning the haze could linger for weeks or even months.