AIR quality across Malaysia showed signs of improvement as the number of locations recording unhealthy Air Pollutant Index (API) levels dropped to 18 as of 6pm yesterday, down from 31 recorded the previous day.
Data from the Air Pollutant Index Management System (APIMS) portal indicated that Johan Setia in Selangor logged the highest reading nationwide at 164.
Other affected locations in Selangor included Shah Alam (162), Klang (157), Petaling Jaya (154), and Banting (125). In Johor, elevated readings were recorded in Pengerang (162), Larkin (160), Kota Tinggi (153), and Pasir Gudang (151).
In Kuala Lumpur, Batu Muda and Cheras both registered an API level of 160.
Negeri Sembilan recorded unhealthy levels in Nilai (160) and Seremban (153), while Pahang saw readings of 155 in Indera Mahkota and 154 in Balok Baru, Kuantan. Elsewhere, Kuala Terengganu recorded 152, Putrajaya logged 155, and Malacca City recorded 102.
A further 49 areas reported moderate air quality, while three locations in Sarawak — Sarikei, Limbang, and Miri — enjoyed good readings.
The Asean Specialised Meteorological Centre (ASMC) reported dry conditions across much of the southern Asean region, though scattered showers occurred over parts of Peninsular Malaysia, Kalimantan, and northern and central Sumatra.
ASMC detected isolated hotspots in southern Sumatra and parts of Kalimantan, with moderate to dense transboundary smoke haze visible over Sarawak and Kalimantan. Moderate to dense haze was also recorded over Sumatra, where monitoring stations in Kalimantan and southern Sumatra reported unhealthy to very unhealthy air quality.
Meteorological forecasts indicate that dry conditions are expected to persist over the coming days across the southern Asean region, though rain is expected over parts of Peninsular Malaysia, northern and central Sumatra, and northwestern Borneo. ASMC noted that while precipitation may alleviate haze in rainfall zones, risks remain elevated in areas subject to prolonged dry spells.
Meanwhile, Malaysia is awaiting official confirmation from Indonesia regarding its offer to deploy emergency personnel and assets to combat forest and peatland fires causing transboundary haze.
MADANI Government spokesman Datuk Seri Fahmi Fadzil confirmed that the haze situation was deliberated during a Cabinet meeting, where Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi shared outcomes from his recent talks with Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto.
“He raised various issues on behalf of the government, particularly regarding Malaysian assets that could potentially be deployed to help extinguish the fires in Indonesian territory. At present, Wisma Putra has not yet received a response to the note sent to Indonesia... so we are continuing to follow official channels as well as direct, ongoing discussions between top leaders,” Fahmi said during a press conference following the Cabinet meeting on Wednesday.
Earlier, Zahid stated that Malaysia had received preliminary approval from Indonesia to dispatch firefighting support during his working visit to Jakarta.
The proposed Malaysian assistance package includes a Bombardier CL-415MP aircraft, three helicopters, and 52 personnel drawn from the National Disaster Management Agency, the Malaysian Maritime Enforcement Agency, and the Royal Malaysian Air Force.
Fahmi expressed optimism that upcoming major international events — including the Formula 1 Gulf Air Bahrain Grand Prix, the Le Tour de Langkawi 2026 cycling championship, and the Standard Chartered Marathon — would proceed smoothly despite the atmospheric conditions. - October 1, 2026
