KUANTAN: Fisherman Mohd Faizal Abidin is facing an uncertain livelihood as the worsening haze is limiting his trips to sea, just weeks before the approaching monsoon season is expected to ground him ashore.

The 41-year-old from Kampung Cempaka here said the unexpected haze has dealt a blow to small-scale fishermen, as poor visibility prevented them from venturing far offshore.

With the monsoon season approaching, the father of four said it was unusual for haze to last till October, as it typically occurred during hot weather after the monsoon season ended in March.

"I usually go out to sea about 5am and return around noon, but these days, I only leave about 8am. The poor air quality prevents us from travelling far or spending long hours at sea. ...I now venture only about 500 metres from the shoreline.