DOE: Air quality mostly moderate nationwide, Johan Setia stands out with unhealthy reading 137

Selangor's Johan Setia recorded the only unhealthy air quality reading nationwide at 1pm today, according to the Department of Environment (DOE). Eight stations reported good air quality, while 58 reported moderate levels. The DOE intensified patrols and drone monitoring in the area but found no open burning or other sources of pollution.

Ground inspections also found no evidence of illegal burning, with signs prohibiting fires in place. The DOE stated conditions in Johan Setia were under control. Satellite data from the Asean Specialised Meteorological Centre on August 16 detected hotspots in Kalimantan, Sumatra, and Pahang. Regional haze maps indicated moderate to dense smoke in Kalimantan and lighter haze in Sumatra.

The DOE activated national action plans on open burning and haze to coordinate enforcement. Landowners are advised to monitor vulnerable areas to prevent fires, and the public is reminded not to conduct open burning. Violators face fines of RM25,000 to RM1 million, imprisonment for up to five years, or both under the Environmental Quality Act (Amendment) 2024.

The DOE provides hourly API readings on its website and through the MyJAS EQMS mobile app. The public can report open burning to the Fire and Rescue Department at 999 or the DOE hotline at 1-800-88-2727.