Johor hotspots lead Malaysia’s haze tally as 25 localities record unhealthy air

On October 18, 2026, Malaysia's Department of Environment reported that 25 locations across the country were experiencing unhealthy air quality, according to the Air Pollutant Index Management System (APIMS). Johor remained a significant hotspot, with seven localities recording unhealthy air quality, including Pasir Gudang with a reading of 189, Larkin with 181, Kota Tinggi with 180, Pengerang with 178, Batu Pahat with 169, Kluang with 163, and Tangkak with 160.

Selangor also had five localities with unhealthy air quality, led by Johan Setia at 163, followed by Shah Alam with 162, Klang with 160, Petaling Jaya with 158, and Banting with 157. Negeri Sembilan had Nilai with a reading of 173, Seremban with 170, and Port Dickson with 153, while Melaka had Bukit Rambai with 164, Alor Gajah with 161, and Bandaraya Melaka with 155.

Putrajaya recorded an API reading of 159, while other locations such as Cheras (157), Batu Muda (155), Sandakan (153), Serian District Police Headquarters (152), and Tawau (108) also had unhealthy readings. However, two localities, Balik Pulau in Penang and Limbang in Sarawak, were classified as having healthy air quality with readings of 41 and 45 respectively.