Haze worsens: 23 stations record ‘Unhealthy’ API levels across Malaysia

KUALA LUMPUR, Oct 12 — Air quality across Malaysia deteriorated Thursday, with 23 of the 68 monitoring stations reporting unhealthy Air Pollutant Index (API) levels, the Department of Environment (DOE) reported. As of 4.50pm, 41 stations were at moderate quality, while no station hit very unhealthy or hazardous levels. API readings between 101 and 200 indicate an unhealthy environment.

Pasir Gudang in Johor had the highest reading at 174, followed by Kota Tinggi and Pengerang in Johor, both at 170. Seremban in Negeri Sembilan and Nilai in the same state also reached unhealthy levels, at 167 and 164 respectively. Johor had seven stations in the unhealthy range, with Larkin, Batu Pahat, Tangkak, and Kluang also experiencing unhealthy conditions.

Negeri Sembilan and Melaka each had three stations in the unhealthy range, with Port Dickson in Negeri Sembilan, Bukit Rambai in Melaka, and Alor Gajah in Melaka reaching the highest readings in their respective states. Putrajaya recorded an API of 156, raising concerns as it exceeded the 150 mark set as a closure threshold for schools.

Several readings increased since the morning, including Pasir Gudang from 168 to 174, Seremban from 164 to 167, and Bukit Rambai from 153 to 161. Authorities advised those at risk of respiratory issues to wear face masks and monitor real-time air quality updates through official channels.