Refer only to APIMS for air quality readings, says govt

The government has urged Malaysians not to rely on independent air quality websites or apps, instead urging them to refer to the official Air Pollutant Index Management System (APIMS) operated by the environment department. As of 3pm, 38 areas across Peninsular Malaysia recorded unhealthy air quality levels, while 30 recorded moderate levels, and no areas reported good air quality.

The department clarified that differences between Malaysia's API and other platforms' AQI readings may arise due to varying scales, calculation methods, and data sources. Malaysia's API is calculated using sub-indices for six major pollutants, including PM10 and PM2.5. The environment department also highlighted that outdoor learning activities should cease when API readings exceed 100, and schools, kindergartens, and childcare centres should close when readings surpass 200.

If API readings remain above 150 for over 24 hours, the national disaster management committee may be activated, and cloud-seeding operations may be carried out, depending on weather conditions. Additionally, the public is advised against open burning, as violations could result in fines ranging from RM25,000 to RM1 million or imprisonment for up to five years.