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

KUALA LUMPUR, Aug 28 — Nineteen areas across Malaysia recorded "unhealthy" air quality levels today, according to Department of Environment data. The highest reading, 181, was taken in Serian, Sarawak. Other severely affected areas include Cheras in the capital with 160, Minden and Seberang Perai in Penang, both at 159, and Sarikei in Sarawak, also at 158.

This categorisation is between API readings of 101 and 200, which is considered "unhealthy." The Greater Klang Valley, including Putrajaya, had six stations in the unhealthy bracket. Cheras recorded the region's poorest air quality at 160, while Batu Muda, Shah Alam, and Johan Setia were all tied at 152. Putrajaya stood at 145, and Petaling Jaya registered 129.

The ongoing smog prompted the government to relocate the National Day 2026 Prime Minister's Address from Dataran Merdeka to the indoor Putrajaya International Convention Centre due to concerns over guests' safety, health, and comfort. Unhealthy levels were also observed in several northern and central states, such as Perak (155 in Taiping, 150 in Tasek Ipoh), Penang (154 in Seberang Jaya), Kedah (153 in Sungai Petani, 145 in Alor Setar), and Peninsular Malaysia (115 in Seremban, Negeri Sembilan).

The haze has been present over Peninsular Malaysia and western Borneo for a week, and authorities have intensified efforts to coordinate with Indonesia to prevent transboundary smoke. The Ministry of Health has advised vulnerable groups to limit outdoor activities and monitor air quality updates through the DoE’s Air Pollutant Index Management System.