Perak worst affected as air quality unhealthy in most parts

By the Editorial Team · Friday, September 18, 2026

Haze persisted across Malaysia on September 17, with 32 monitoring stations reporting unhealthy air quality levels, the highest being 188 in Tasek Ipoh, Perak. This widespread pollution poses health risks to residents, prompting continued government monitoring and potential advisories.

Haze conditions persisted across Malaysia, with air quality remaining unhealthy in numerous areas as of 6 p.m. on September 17. According to data from the Air Pollutant Index Management System, 32 monitoring stations recorded unhealthy Air Pollutant Index (API) levels, with 25 of these reporting readings above 150.

Perak was the hardest hit state, where Tasek Ipoh reported the highest API reading in the country at 188. Other locations in Perak also faced poor air quality, including Seri Manjung (178), Ipoh (157), Taiping (154), and Tanjung Malim (104).

Unhealthy API levels were recorded in several other states and federal territories. In Putrajaya, the API reached 159, while Selangor saw elevated readings in Johan Setia (165), Shah Alam (158), Banting (156), Petaling Jaya (152), and Klang (151). Kuala Lumpur experienced unhealthy levels as well, with Cheras at 156 and Batu Muda at 149.

Negri Sembilan reported unhealthy conditions in Nilai (160), Seremban (156), and Port Dickson (122). Melaka recorded similar values in Bukit Rambai (155), Alor Gajah (154), and Bandaraya Melaka (152). In Johor, Batu Pahat (155), Segamat (153), Tangkak (151), and Kluang (114) were affected.

Penang's readings included Minden at 152, Seberang Jaya at 145, and Seberang Perai at 142. Additionally, other states such as Pahang, Kedah, and Terengganu reported unhealthy air quality in Jerantut (153), Sungai Petani (155), and Kuala Terengganu (146), respectively.

In Sarawak, haze continued to impact the southwest region, with Kuching and IPD Serian both registering API levels of 173, and Samarahan at 168.

Conversely, 33 monitoring stations nationwide recorded moderate pollution levels with API readings between 51 and 100. Three stations in Sabah and Sarawak reported good air quality with readings at or below 50.

The ongoing haze is contributing to widespread unhealthy air conditions across multiple regions, posing potential health risks to the public. Authorities continue to monitor the situation closely.

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.