Haze blanketing regions nationwide with very unhealthy air

By the Editorial Team · Wednesday, September 9, 2026

Several regions in Malaysia, particularly southwestern Sarawak, are experiencing very unhealthy air quality due to widespread haze, with Air Pollutant Index readings exceeding 200 in multiple districts. This situation raises health concerns for residents and coincides with critically low water levels in major dams, highlighting the strain on environmental resources amid ongoing dry conditions.

Several regions across Malaysia are currently experiencing poor air quality due to widespread haze, with particularly severe conditions in the southwestern part of Sarawak. As of 6 p.m. on September 8, 2026, the Air Pollutant Index (API) indicated very unhealthy levels in multiple areas within Sarawak, according to data from the Air Pollutant Index Management System (Apims).

In Sarawak, API readings exceeded 200 in the districts of IPD Serian (239), Kuching (242), Sri Aman (215), and Samarahan (219), signaling hazardous air conditions. Additional areas in the state reported unhealthy air quality, including Mukah (182), Sarikei (184), Samalaju (178), ILP Miri (174), Bintulu (167), Miri (164), and Sibu (163).

Peninsular Malaysia also reported unhealthy pollution levels in several locations, particularly within Selangor, Kuala Lumpur, Putrajaya, Perak, Melaka, and Negri Sembilan. Specific areas in Selangor affected include Johan Setia (164), Shah Alam (163), Banting (158), Petaling Jaya (154), Klang (155), and Kuala Selangor (151). Perak’s unhealthy readings were recorded in Tasek Ipoh (159), Seri Manjung (156), Tanjung Malim (156), and Pegoh Ipoh (152). Melaka’s Alor Gajah (144) and Bukit Rambai (130), along with Nilai (159) and Seremban (152) in Negri Sembilan, also faced unhealthy conditions. Within Kuala Lumpur, Batu Muda (165) and Cheras (161) registered similar levels.

Despite the widespread haze, 39 other areas nationwide maintained moderate to good air quality readings. The haze’s precise origins have not been explicitly detailed, but such conditions are frequently linked to forest fires and agricultural burning, which commonly affect the region during dry seasons.

In addition to air quality concerns, the National Water Services Commission (SPAN) reported critically low water levels at two major dams that provide raw water to treatment plants across Malaysia. Furthermore, eight other dams are currently at warning status, raising potential concerns over water supply stability if dry conditions persist.

Authorities continue to monitor both atmospheric and water resource conditions closely, advising the public to take necessary precautions to mitigate health risks associated with the deteriorating air quality.

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.