Unhealthy Air Across 36 Areas Due to Persistent Haze

By the Editorial Team · Friday, October 9, 2026

Malaysia experienced unhealthy haze levels across 36 areas on Wednesday, with Segamat, Johor, recording the highest Air Pollutant Index (API) of 191, as dry conditions and 94 hotspots in Kalimantan contributed to poor air quality. The Department of Environment urged the public to rely on official API sources for accurate updates, highlighting that differences in reported pollution levels may result from varying measurement methods.

Haze conditions persisted across Malaysia, with 36 areas recording unhealthy Air Pollutant Index (API) readings as of 6 p.m. on Wednesday, according to the Department of Environment (DOE). The highest pollution level was recorded in Segamat, Johor, with an API reading of 191, followed closely by Seremban, Negri Sembilan, at 188.

Several other locations within Johor registered elevated API levels, including Kluang (180), Tangkak (175), Pasir Gudang (171), Larkin (170), Batu Pahat (165), Pengerang (157), and Kota Tinggi (154). In Negri Sembilan, Nilai recorded 184 and Port Dickson 169. Putrajaya was also affected, with an unhealthy API reading of 175. Within Selangor, affected areas included Johan Setia (178), Shah Alam and Banting (171 each), Klang (166), and Petaling Jaya (165). Kuala Lumpur's Cheras and Batu Muda areas both showed readings of 170.

Other impacted states included Pahang, where Rompin reported 178, Indera Mahkota 166, Balok Baru Kuantan 165, and Temerloh 153. Terengganu’s Kemaman recorded 158. In Melaka, Bukit Rambai recorded 176, Bandaraya Melaka 175, and Alor Gajah 172. Perak also saw unhealthy levels in Tasek Ipoh (159), Pegoh Ipoh (156), Seri Manjung (155), Tanjung Malim (154), and Taiping (152). In northern Malaysia, Sungai Petani in Kedah was at 152, while Penang’s Minden reported 155, Seberang Perai 152, and Seberang Jaya 146.

The DOE attributed the ongoing haze to dry weather conditions in parts of the southern ASEAN region and the detection of 94 hotspots in Kalimantan as of Wednesday. The ASEAN Specialised Meteorological Centre (ASMC) reported moderate to dense transboundary haze over southern and central Sumatra, Singapore, and southern Peninsular Malaysia.

The DOE advised the public to obtain air quality information from official government sources, such as the Air Pollutant Index Management System (APIMS) portal or the Environmental Quality Monitoring System (EQMS) application, to ensure accurate and timely updates. The department emphasized that hourly API readings from these platforms serve as the government’s official reference for issuing health advisories and managing haze conditions.

The DOE also clarified that discrepancies between Malaysia’s official API figures and those reported by other platforms do not necessarily indicate underestimation of pollution levels. Variations can arise due to differences in measurement scales, calculation methods, averaging periods, and data sources.

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.