Haze persists across Malaysia as 17 stations record unhealthy air quality

KUALA LUMPUR, Aug 26 — Malaysia's air quality crisis continues unabated as 17 monitoring stations nationwide recorded unhealthy pollution levels this morning, according to the Department of Environment's (DoE) MyEQMS portal. Sarawak and the Klang Valley remain the most severely affected areas, with Sarawak emerging as the epicenter of the haze crisis.

The highest Air Pollutant Index (API) reading nationwide was 167, recorded by Sri Aman, followed closely by IPD Serian at 166 and Samarahan at 162. Six stations in the Klang Valley, including Shah Alam, Nilai, Cheras, and Putrajaya, breached the unhealthy threshold, indicating a dense smog enveloping the greater Klang Valley conurbation.

While Batu Muda in Kuala Lumpur, Klang, Banting, and Petaling Jaya recorded lower API levels, the persistent smog affects a wider area, extending beyond traditional hotspots. Environmental assessments point to prolonged dry spells caused by the El Niño phenomenon, suppress rainfall, and rampant open burning as the primary contributors to the widespread haze.

Sarawak's environmental authorities attribute the worsening air quality to transboundary smoke and local peat and forest fires. Health authorities advise the public to limit outdoor activities, especially for high-risk groups, and to wear protective masks when venturing outside.