Sarawak and Selangor bear the brunt as 34 stations log ‘Unhealthy’ API levels in Malaysia

KUALA LUMPUR, Sept 18 — On September 18, 34 air quality monitoring stations across Malaysia recorded "Unhealthy" Air Pollutant Index (API) levels, indicating a significant deterioration in air quality nationwide, according to Department of Environment (DoE) data. Readings ranged from 104 to 198, suggesting extensive haze coverage in both Peninsular Malaysia and Sarawak.

In Selangor, Johan Setia registered the highest API level of 198, just two points away from the "Very Unhealthy" threshold of 200. The four most severely impacted locations were Kuching, Samarahan, Nilai, and IPD Serian in Sarawak, along with Shah Alam, Banting, Petaling Jaya, Klang, and Kuala Selangor in Selangor. Sarawak suffered the greatest impact overall, with eight stations falling into the unhealthy range, including Kuching, Samarahan, Sibu, Sarikei, Bintulu, Sri Aman, and Mukah.

Selangor also saw the highest concentration of polluted areas in Peninsular Malaysia, with six stations recording unhealthy air quality, such as Shah Alam, Banting, Petaling Jaya, Klang, and Kuala Selangor. Central and southern regions bore the brunt of the haze, with Putrajaya, Kuala Lumpur, Nilai, Seremban, and Alor Gajah all reporting unhealthy levels.

In Perak and the East Coast, four stations in Perak and two on the East Coast recorded unhealthy API levels, while Pahang reported two affected stations, with Temerloh at 151 and Jerantut at 107. The lowest API readings among the 34 affected stations were recorded in Mukah (104) and Jerantut (107). The DoE continues to monitor air quality 24/7, with conditions anticipated to vary based on wind direction and regional hotspot activity.