Air quality worsens across Malaysia: 38 stations in unhealthy bracket, Johor hardest hit

KUALA LUMPUR, Sept 15 — Air quality in Malaysia has worsened to unhealthy levels at 38 monitoring stations as of 8:45am today, according to Department of Environment (DOE) data, with Johor being the hardest hit. The IPD Serian in Sarawak recorded the highest figure at 188, just shy of the "very unhealthy" threshold of 201. Johor had more unhealthy readings than any other state, with locations such as Pasir Gudang, Larkin, Tangkak, Kota Tinggi, Pengerang, Batu Pahat, and Kluang also registering unhealthy levels.

The Klang Valley, including Cheras, Shah Alam, Putrajaya, Batu Muda, Petaling Jaya, and Klang, was heavily affected. Banting in Selangor and Nilai and Seremban in Negeri Sembilan also reported unhealthy readings. In Sarawak, Samarahan and Kuching recorded figures of 163 and 154, respectively. The mildest readings among the unhealthy group came from the northern states, such as Balik Pulau in Penang (131) and Minden (111).

The DOE advises members of the public, especially children, the elderly, and those with respiratory or heart conditions, to limit prolonged outdoor activity in the affected areas and to monitor further updates.