Transboundary Haze Worsens As 27 Areas Record Unhealthy API Readings, Pasir Gudang Hardest Hit At 177

KUALA LUMPUR, Oct 14 – A total of 27 locations across Malaysia recorded unhealthy Air Pollutant Index (API) readings as of 9:00 AM on Wednesday, October 14, 2026, with Pasir Gudang, Johor, logging the country’s worst air quality at 177.

Data retrieved from the Department of Environment’s (DOE) Air Pollutant Index Management System (APIMS) portal indicates widespread deterioration in air quality spanning southern and central Peninsular states, parts of the East Coast, and Sarawak.

The spike in pollution levels follows the closure of all schools in Johor, Melaka, and Negeri Sembilan, as well as selected districts in Selangor, Pahang, Sabah, and Sarawak on Wednesday due to persistent haze.

Regional API Readings, Affected Hotspots, and Quality Classifications

The DOE breakdown reveals significant concentrations of unhealthy air quality across several major states:

• Johor Hotspots: Pasir Gudang registered the highest reading nationwide at 177, followed by Kota Tinggi (166), Larkin (164), Pengerang (162), Batu Pahat (154), Kluang (152), and Tangkak (151).
• Negeri Sembilan & Melaka: In Negeri Sembilan, Nilai recorded an API of 174, Port Dickson reached 165, and Seremban registered 160. In Melaka, Bukit Rambai stood at 169, Bandaraya Melaka at 164, and Alor Gajah at 156.
• Klang Valley & Putrajaya: In Selangor, Klang and Johan Setia tied at 173, followed by Banting (160), Shah Alam (159), and Petaling Jaya (154). In Kuala Lumpur, Cheras recorded 168 and Batu Muda logged 164, while Putrajaya registered 165.
• East Coast & Sarawak: In Terengganu, Kemaman recorded 156 and Paka reached 155. In Pahang, Indera Mahkota in Kuantan recorded 155 and Rompin stood at 153. In Sarawak, IPD Serian recorded 153 and Sri Aman registered 134.
• National Summary: Out of all monitoring stations nationwide, 27 areas reported unhealthy air quality, 41 recorded moderate levels, and only one location maintained a good reading.

Under the national environmental index, API readings between 0 and 50 signify good air quality, 51 to 100 moderate, 101 to 200 unhealthy, 201 to 300 very unhealthy, and figures exceeding 300 indicate hazardous conditions.

–NMT