Emergency at API 400 Government may consider early intervention

By the Editorial Team · Sunday, September 6, 2026

The Malaysian government is considering lowering the haze emergency threshold from an Air Pollution Index (API) of 500 to 400 following severe air pollution in Sarawak. This change aims to enable earlier interventions, such as school closures and mask mandates, to better protect public health during hazardous haze conditions.

The Malaysian government is considering lowering the threshold for declaring a haze emergency to areas where the Air Pollution Index (API) exceeds 400, according to Natural Resources and Environmental Sustainability Minister Datuk Seri Arthur Joseph Kurup. This potential adjustment comes after severe air quality issues prompted an emergency declaration in Serian, Sarawak, where API readings surpassed 500.

Under current guidelines outlined in the National Haze Action Plan, a haze emergency is declared when the API reaches 500 or higher. The Department of Environment classifies API values between 301 and 500 as hazardous, and readings above 500 as an emergency. Arthur noted that should the API rise above 400, the government may consider early intervention measures to mitigate health risks.

The emergency order declared by His Majesty Sultan Ibrahim, King of Malaysia, covers the entire Serian Division in Sarawak. It came in response to hazardous haze conditions that posed significant threats to public health and safety. During such emergencies, precautionary steps including school closures and compulsory face mask usage are implemented until air quality improves.

On a related front, cloud seeding efforts carried out on Friday in Sarawak as well as in parts of the northern peninsula, including Kedah and Perlis, have resulted in rainfall in several areas. Arthur emphasized that Malaysia has secured written permission from Indonesia to deploy air assets across its airspace for cloud seeding operations. This cross-border approach aims to enhance precipitation by targeting clouds, which prevailing winds can then carry into Malaysian territory.

Additionally, Malaysia has offered manpower and equipment to help extinguish ongoing open fires in Indonesia, although no formal request for assistance has been received from the Indonesian government to date.

The government’s potential move to lower the API threshold for declaring a haze emergency reflects increased concern over air pollution levels and the need for timely public health interventions amid persistent regional haze challenges.

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.