Haze rebounds across 22 areas in Malaysia even as schools set to reopen

KUALA LUMPUR, Oct 12 - Air quality worsened across 22 of Malaysia's 68 monitoring stations this morning, with unhealthy Air Pollutant Index (API) levels causing schools in multiple states to prepare for in-person classes. Only three stations recorded good air quality, while 42 were deemed moderate. Johor suffered the worst impact, with eight unhealthy stations, including the highest reading of 170 in Kota Tinggi.

Elevated figures were also logged in other states such as Pasir Gudang, Pengerang, Larkin, Tangkak, Batu Pahat, Kluang, Segamat, Negeri Sembilan, Pahang, Terengganu, and Melaka. The rebounding pollution coincides with schools in Melaka, Negeri Sembilan, Pahang, Putrajaya, and parts of Kuala Lumpur and Selangor set to resume regular classroom sessions today, based on moderate readings from earlier in the day.

However, several areas including Bukit Rambai in Melaka and Putrajaya have since returned to unhealthy levels. Health and education authorities recommend that parents, high-risk groups, and students experiencing respiratory symptoms wear protective masks and monitor real-time air quality updates.