34 locations nationwide remain in unhealthy air quality category

On September 18, 2026, air quality remained unhealthy at 34 locations nationwide, according to data from Malaysia's Department of Environment (DOE) Air Pollutant Index Management System (APIMS). The highest Air Pollutant Index (API) reading was recorded in Selangor by Johan Setia, measuring 198, just below the "very unhealthy" threshold.

Kuching followed with a reading of 192, while Samarahan recorded 185, Nilai and the Serian District Police Headquarters had readings of 181, and Seri Manjung measured 175. Other locations with unhealthy API readings included Tasek Ipoh at 173, Putrajaya and Seremban at 171, and Shah Alam at 170. An additional 31 locations reported moderate API readings, including Mukah, Sungai Petani, Minden, Seberang Jaya, Kuala Terengganu, Pasir Gudang, Tawau, and Rompin.

Limbang and Sandakan were the only monitoring stations in the country to record good API readings. In Malaysia, air quality is classified into five categories under the DOE's API, ranging from good (0-50) to hazardous (above 300). Readings between 51 and 100 are considered moderate, 101 to 200 signify unhealthy conditions, and 201 to 300 indicate very unhealthy air quality.