Haze continues choking Malaysia as 19 areas see ‘Unhealthy’ air quality

Malaysia continues to grapple with haze, as 19 areas across the country reported "unhealthy" air quality on August 28, according to data from the Department of Environment (DoE). The air pollutant index (API) reached 181 in Serian, Sarawak, the highest reading nationwide, followed by 160 in Cheras, Kuala Lumpur, and 159 and 158 in Minden and Seberang Perai, both in Penang.

An API reading between 101 and 200 is deemed "unhealthy," with anything above 300 classified as "hazardous." The Greater Klang Valley, including Putrajaya, saw six of the 19 stations fall into this category.

Cheras recorded the region's worst air quality at 160, while Batu Muda, Shah Alam, and Johan Setia all shared a reading of 152. Putrajaya registered 145, and Petaling Jaya had a reading of 129. The prolonged smog over the Klang Valley led the government to relocate the National Day 2026 Prime Minister's Address from Dataran Merdeka to the indoor Putrajaya International Convention Centre (PICC) to safeguard attendees' health and comfort.

Unhealthy air quality was also observed in several northern and central states. In Perak, Taiping and Tasek Ipoh recorded readings of 155 and 150, respectively, while Seberang Jaya in Penang stood at 154. Kedah's Sungai Petani and Alor Setar logged readings of 153 and 145, respectively. In Peninsular Malaysia, Seremban in Negeri Sembilan reported an API reading of 115.

The haze has persisted over Peninsular Malaysia and western Borneo for a week. Authorities have intensified collaboration with Indonesia to address transboundary smoke, warning that dry weather conditions caused by El Niño could heighten fire risks heading into October. The Ministry of Health has cautioned the public, especially vulnerable groups, to limit outdoor activities and regularly check official air quality updates through the DoE’s Air Pollutant Index Management System (APIMS).