Want clean air today? Skip Pasir Gudang, head for Balik Pulau or Limbang

Malaysia's air quality has taken a sharp turn for the worse on October 18, 2026, with Pasir Gudang in Johor emerging as the most polluted city in the country. The Air Pollutant Index (API) in Pasir Gudang reached 191 at 10am, just nine points away from the "very unhealthy" threshold of 201. The town had crossed the unhealthy mark of 201 on the previous day, recording a reading of 203.

In stark contrast, Balik Pulau in Penang recorded an API of 42 at 10am, indicating clean air, more than a quarter less polluted than Pasir Gudang. Limbang in Sarawak was not far behind with a reading of 48. The rest of the country was breathing differently between these two cities.

Pasir Gudang's poor air quality was concentrated in the Johor region, with other cities like Kota Tinggi (183), Larkin (181), Pengerang (178), and Batu Pahat (168) also recording high API values. Negeri Sembilan followed closely, with Nilai (171), Seremban (167), and Port Dickson (151) reporting unhealthy air.

Selangor fared a bit better, with cities like Johan Setia (164), Shah Alam (160), Klang (157), Petaling Jaya (156), and Banting (155) registering moderate API levels. However, Kuala Selangor, further north in the same state, managed a more moderate reading of 84.

Melaka also faced poor air quality, with Bukit Rambai (163), Alor Gajah (160), and Bandaraya Melaka (155) all reporting unhealthy levels. Putrajaya, the capital city, logged an API of 158, while Kuala Lumpur's Cheras recorded 156, and Batu Muda 155.

East Malaysia, though not as polluted as Peninsular Malaysia, still faced challenges. Sandakan in Sabah recorded an API of 152, and Sri Aman in Sarawak was just over the unhealthy line at 105. The rest of Penang, Kedah, Kelantan, Perlis, Terengganu, Pahang, and Perak remained in the moderate range, with readings between 0 and 50 classified as good.