Malaysia

Haze intensifies across Malaysia as 32 areas hit unhealthy air levels

Serian in Sarawak records the country’s highest reading at 181

Updated 1 month ago · Published on 25 Aug 2026 8:09AM

Haze intensifies across Malaysia as 32 areas hit unhealthy air levels
Malaysia’s haze situation intensifies, with 32 areas recording unhealthy Air Pollutant Index readings - August 25, 2026

MALAYSIA’S worsening haze has spread across several states, with 32 areas recording unhealthy Air Pollutant Index (API) readings as of 7am, according to data from the Malaysian Air Pollutant Index Management System (APIMS).

Serian, Sarawak, recorded the highest API reading at 181, bringing the area close to the very unhealthy category as poor air quality continued to affect wide parts of the country.

Sarawak remained the worst-affected state, with five other areas recording unhealthy readings — Sri Aman at 166, Kuching at 165, Samarahan at 159, Sarikei at 152 and Mukah at 101.

Selangor and the Federal Territories also recorded widespread unhealthy readings, led by Johan Setia at 174.

Shah Alam recorded 161, while Putrajaya and Kuala Selangor each registered 156. Other affected areas were Baru Muda at 154, Banting at 152, Klang at 151 and Petaling Jaya at 132.

In the northern region, Minden in Penang recorded an API reading of 154, followed by Sungai Petani in Kedah at 152 and Seberang Perai at 136.

Perak recorded five areas in the unhealthy category, with Seri Manjung at 155, Tanjung Malim at 154, Tasek Ipoh at 153, Pegoh Ipoh at 152 and Taiping at 151.

In Negeri Sembilan, Nilai recorded an API reading of 156 while Seremban registered 153.

Melaka also reported unhealthy readings, with Bukit Rambai recording 155 and Alor Gajah 132.

In Johor, Segamat, Batu Pahat and Tangkak each recorded an API reading of 152, while Kota Tinggi registered 129 and Kluang 104.

Under the API classification, readings between 101 and 200 are categorised as unhealthy.

Members of the public have been advised to reduce outdoor activities and wear face masks if they need to be outside, particularly in areas recording elevated pollution levels. - August 25, 2026

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