Malaysia

Johor dominates Malaysia’s 20 unhealthy air quality hotspots, Kota Tinggi worst

Kota Tinggi registers the country’s highest Air Pollution Index (API) reading of 170, while pollution levels also rise in parts of the east coast and Negeri Sembilan

Updated 47 minutes ago · Published on 12 Oct 2026 8:11AM

Johor dominates Malaysia’s 20 unhealthy air quality hotspots, Kota Tinggi worst
Johor accounts for eight of 20 locations nationwide recording unhealthy air quality - October 12, 2026

JOHOR emerged as the state worst affected by haze as at 7am on Monday, with all eight locations recording unhealthy air quality, led by Kota Tinggi at 170, according to the Malaysian Air Pollutant Index Management System (APIMS).

Pasir Gudang recorded the second-highest reading in the state at 168, followed by Pengerang (164), Larkin (162), Tangkak (156), Batu Pahat (152), Kluang (152) and Segamat (136).

Negeri Sembilan was also affected, with Seremban recording an API reading of 162 and Nilai 160.

On the east coast, Balok Baru in Kuantan, Pahang, registered 161, followed by Kemaman in Terengganu (158), Rompin in Pahang (157), and Paka and Kuala Terengganu, both at 156.

Other locations with unhealthy air quality included Bukit Rambai in Melaka (152), Indera Mahkota in Kuantan (145), Johan Setia in Selangor (134), Putrajaya (110) and Cheras in Kuala Lumpur (108).

APIMS data showed that another 44 locations recorded moderate air quality, including Port Dickson (99), Alor Gajah (98), Bandaraya Melaka (97), Tawau (94), Miri (92) and Banting (83).

Only three locations reported good air quality: Kangar in Perlis at 43, Balik Pulau in Penang at 41 and Langkawi in Kedah at 28.

API readings of 101 to 200 are classified as unhealthy, while readings of 51 to 100 indicate moderate air quality and zero to 50 indicate good air quality. - October 12, 2026

Spotlight

Malaysia

JPJ temporarily suspends VTA and registration for Chery Omoda 5

Malaysia

Eligibility for PTPTN repayment deferment to be verified with LHDN

Malaysia

Budget allocates two rounds of cash aid to millions of Malaysians in 70th Merdeka year

Malaysia

No Malaysians killed or injured in Riyadh airport attack, says Wisma Putra

Malaysia

JAIS probes viral religious ritual footage, says AI manipulation not ruled out

Malaysia

10-tonne truck ploughs into 11 vehicles: Police probe possible brake failure

World

Trump weighs joining Saudi strikes after deadly Houthi attack on Riyadh airport

You may be interested

Malaysia

Sinkhole forces closure of Gua Musang-Kota Bharu highway section

Malaysia

Budget 2027 emphasises a dignified life, says NGO

Malaysia

Used-car buyers lose RM25k after paying fake middlemen in Miri

Malaysia

JPJ temporarily suspends VTA and registration for Chery Omoda 5

Malaysia

Man loses RM12.47 million; cryptocurrency assets vanish

Malaysia

PM to announce latest on proposed Health Services Commission, says Dr Dzulkefly

Malaysia

Retiree, salesman lose more than RM112k in separate online scams

Malaysia

No Malaysians killed or injured in Riyadh airport attack, says Wisma Putra