TWENTY areas nationwide recorded unhealthy air quality this morning, with Serian and Kuching in Sarawak registering the highest Air Pollutant Index (API) reading of 168 as of 8.30am.
According to APIMS data, Seri Manjung in Perak recorded the second-highest reading at 164, followed by Samarahan in Sarawak at 163, Sri Aman (161) and Sibu (160).
Batu Muda in Kuala Lumpur and Shah Alam in Selangor each recorded an API reading of 156, while Putrajaya and Cheras registered 155.
Other areas recording unhealthy readings were Sarikei, Sarawak (152), Petaling Jaya, Selangor (151), Nilai, Negeri Sembilan (151) and Bintulu, Sarawak (151).
Kapit in Sarawak recorded 126, followed by Larkin in Johor (123), Tawau in Sabah (122) and Tanjung Malim in Perak (118).
Bukit Rambai in Melaka and Tangkak in Johor recorded readings of 107 and 105 respectively.
API readings between 101 and 200 are classified as unhealthy.
Members of the public, particularly vulnerable groups including children, senior citizens and those with respiratory-related health problems, are advised to reduce outdoor physical activity while air quality remains at unhealthy levels. - September 19, 2026
