All choked up as haze spreads across the country

By the Editorial Team · Sunday, September 6, 2026

Air quality in Malaysia has worsened nationwide due to spreading haze, with Sarawak experiencing hazardous pollution levels and several other states registering unhealthy readings. The continued dry weather and ongoing fire hotspots in neighboring regions suggest haze conditions may persist, posing ongoing health risks and impacting multiple ASEAN countries.

Air quality across Malaysia continues to deteriorate as haze conditions spread nationwide, with Sarawak experiencing particularly severe pollution levels. Authorities reported Air Pollutant Index (API) readings exceeding 200 in several locations, prompting ongoing concerns over public health.

In Sarawak, key areas recorded hazardous API values, including Kuching at 271, Sri Aman 237, Samarahan 211, Bintulu 210, and Samalaju 208. Some improvement was noted in Serian Division, which remains under a state of emergency; its API reading fell to 334 at 10 a.m. yesterday from 519 the previous Friday. Other areas in Sarawak reported unhealthy indices as well, such as ILP Miri (191), Mukah (189), Miri (184), Sarikei (180), Sibu (176), Limbang (162), and Kapit (152).

The haze situation has expanded to affect multiple Malaysian states. In Sabah, Kimanis and the Federal Territory of Labuan each registered an API of 170, while Kota Kinabalu was at 157. Johor state saw unhealthy levels in Tangkak (158), Batu Pahat (157), Segamat (156), Kluang (155), and Larkin (152). Other locations with elevated pollution include Bukit Rambai (158), Alor Gajah (155), and Bandaraya Melaka (111) in Melaka; Nilai (156), Seremban (155), and Port Dickson (114) in Negeri Sembilan; Johan Setia (159) and Banting (150) in Selangor; Balok Baru Kuantan in Pahang (149); and Putrajaya Federal Territory (151).

According to the Department of Environment's API Management System, as of 5 p.m. yesterday, only 26 monitoring stations nationwide recorded moderate air quality readings between 51 and 99, while 10 stations remained in the good range.

The ASEAN Specialized Meteorological Centre (ASMC) reported on prevailing dry weather conditions across much of the southern ASEAN region except for the northwestern parts of Borneo, where showers were observed overnight. Satellite data showed scattered to widespread fire hotspots, particularly in Kalimantan and Sumatra, with moderate to dense smoke plumes detected in these areas as well as central and southern Sumatra.

The ASMC noted moderate haze over Singapore, southern Peninsular Malaysia, and northern Borneo. Several air quality monitoring stations in Borneo recorded unhealthy to hazardous levels; similar unhealthy readings were reported at stations in Sumatra, Singapore, and southern Peninsular Malaysia. However, the full scale of the haze was difficult to assess due to cloud cover in northern ASEAN regions.

Looking ahead, the ASMC forecast dry conditions to persist over most of the southern ASEAN region, apart from northern Peninsular Malaysia, Sumatra, and parts of Borneo where showers are expected. The centre warned that areas experiencing prolonged dry spells could continue to face elevated haze conditions, with a risk of severe transboundary haze pollution. Prevailing winds from the southeast to southwest are expected to influence haze movement, while wet conditions in the northern ASEAN region may help reduce hotspot activity.

This article was reported by synthesizing coverage from multiple independent news outlets to present a balanced, unbiased account. Read about our editorial standards. Spotted an error? Let us know.