Haze: 28 areas hit with unhealthy air

Malaysia's air quality has sharply declined, with 28 areas reaching unhealthy levels, according to the Air Pollutant Index (API). The worst reading, 221, was recorded in Sri Aman, Sarawak. Eight locations in Sarawak, including Serian, Sarikei, Kuching, Samarahan, Mukah, Sibu, Kapit, and Bintulu, also reported unhealthy API readings.

In Peninsular Malaysia, Sungai Petani (161), Langkawi (157), and Alor Setar (155) experienced unhealthy conditions. In Penang, Minden (160), Seberang Perai, and Seberang Jaya each recorded 156. The Klang Valley saw Cheras and Batu Muda in Kuala Lumpur with API readings of 160 and 155, respectively, while Putrajaya recorded 153. Selangor reported unhealthy readings in Shah Alam (154), Johan Setia (153), and Petaling Jaya (133).

Other affected areas include Kangar, Taiping, Tanjung Malim, Tasek Ipoh, Seri Manjung in Perak; Seremban and Nilai in Negri Sembilan; and Segamat in Johor. The remaining 38 monitoring stations nationwide recorded moderate air quality, with none reporting good readings. Malaysia's air quality classification ranges from good (0-50), moderate (51-100), unhealthy (101-200), very unhealthy (201-300), to hazardous (above 300).

The Environment Department has activated the National Open Burning Action Plan and National Haze Action Plan, increased patrols, and warned landowners to prevent illegal open burning. Under the Environmental Quality (Amendment) Act 2024, those convicted of open burning face fines between RM25,000 and RM1 million, up to five years in prison, or both.