Malaysia haze worsens overnight as unhealthy areas nearly double to 21, Johor hardest hit

Malaysia's haze situation deteriorated significantly overnight, with 21 areas recording unhealthy air quality, nearly double the 11 reported the previous day. Johor was the most affected state, accounting for eight of the unhealthy readings, according to the Air Pollutant Index Management System (APIMS). Batu Pahat in Johor topped the list with an Air Pollutant Index (API) reading of 188, followed by Kluang, Segamat, Larkin, Pasir Gudang and Tangkak, all with readings above 160.

Kota Tinggi recorded an API of 155, while Pengerang stood at 154. Other states like Nilai in Negeri Sembilan and Seremban also recorded unhealthy readings, with values of 161 and 157 respectively. Bandaraya Melaka registered an API of 155. In Pahang, Balok Baru Kuantan recorded an API of 153, while Putrajaya and Rompin both had readings of 152.

Unhealthy readings were also observed in Indera Mahkota Kuantan at 142, Cheras at 140 and Kemaman at 134. Batu Muda, Batu Rambai, Batu Pahat and Jerantut also registered unhealthy air quality. However, some areas showed improvement, with IPD Serian in Sarawak and Johan Setia in Selangor moving from unhealthy to moderate readings.

Only five stations remained in the good range: Minden in Penang, Kota Kinabalu, Kangar, Langkawi and Balik Pulau. The data indicates a broad worsening of air quality conditions nationwide. The API scale categorizes readings as follows: zero to 50 are good, 51 to 100 moderate, 101 to 200 unhealthy, 201 to 300 very unhealthy and anything above 300 hazardous.

Malaysia has been grappling with recurring haze episodes, with varying impacts across the Klang Valley, southern states and parts of Sarawak. Earlier this month, several Klang Valley areas recorded unhealthy readings due to the spread of haze. Sarawak faced a more severe episode in late August. The government has resorted to cloud-seeding operations during prolonged haze periods and continues to monitor air quality through 68 nationwide monitoring stations. API readings are updated hourly through the APIMS.