Haze update: 21 areas across Malaysia at ‘Unhealthy’ pollution levels

Today, the Department of Environment in Malaysia recorded 21 areas with "Unhealthy" Air Pollutant Index (API) readings, marking the extent of haze pollution across the nation. Sarawak, accounting for more than half of the affected areas, led with 11 stations reporting unhealthy levels. IPD Serian, located in Sarawak, recorded the highest reading at 168, closely followed by Kapit at 166 and Sri Aman at 160.

Four stations, including Nilai in Negeri Sembilan and Miri, Bintulu, and Kuching in Sarawak, also showed readings of 158. Beyond the top three, elevated pollution levels were logged in various locations such as Samarahan (157), Sibu (156), Samalaju (155), and Limbang (104). Peninsular Malaysia and Sabah also experienced smog, with Putrajaya and Cheras in Kuala Lumpur registering API readings of 157 and 155, respectively.

Nilai and Seremban in Negeri Sembilan, along with Johan Setia in Selangor and Shah Alam in the capital, also entered the unhealthy range. The lowest reading among the affected locations was in Limbang at 104. The DoE continues to monitor air quality 24/7, urging the public, especially vulnerable groups, to stay informed about real-time updates as wind directions and regional hotspot activity change throughout the day.