Widespread Haze Deteriorates National Air Quality As 20 Areas Record Unhealthy API Readings

KUALA LUMPUR, Oct 13 – Air quality across Malaysia worsened on Tuesday morning as 20 monitoring stations nationwide recorded unhealthy Air Pollutant Index (API) readings, with Johor emerging as the hardest-hit state.

According to data updated at 9:30 AM on October 13, 2026, by the Department of Environment’s (DOE) Air Pollutant Index Management System (APIMS) portal, eight areas in Johor reported API readings well above the 100-mark.

Pasir Gudang registered the highest API reading in Johor at 181, followed by Larkin (175), Kota Tinggi (169), Pengerang (166), Batu Pahat (161), Kluang (153), Tangkak (149), and Segamat (133).

Breakdown of Regional API Readings and Severity Categories

The haze situation remains widespread across several states in Peninsular Malaysia and East Malaysia:

• Sarawak Unhealthy Readings: Sri Aman recorded an API of 171, followed by Serian (154) and Samarahan (120).
• Melaka Unhealthy Readings: Three areas recorded unhealthy readings, led by Bukit Rambai and Melaka City at 160 each, with Alor Gajah recording 151.
• Pahang Unhealthy Readings: Balok Baru Kuantan registered an API reading of 161, while Rompin recorded 157.
• Negeri Sembilan, Sabah & Putrajaya: Seremban and Nilai recorded API levels of 154 and 151, respectively. Tawau in Sabah registered 154, while Putrajaya edged into the unhealthy bracket with a reading of 103.
• Moderate Air Quality Areas: A total of 44 locations nationwide reported moderate air quality, with Kemaman in Terengganu recording the highest moderate reading at 99, followed by Johan Setia, Selangor (95), Kapit, Sarawak (94), Paka, Terengganu (93), and Bintulu, Sarawak (92).
• Good Air Quality Areas: Only four stations reported good API levels, including Taiping in Perak (50), Balik Pulau in Penang (46), Jerantut in Pahang (33), and Langkawi in Kedah (28).

An API reading between 0 and 50 denotes good air quality, 51 to 100 moderate, 101 to 200 unhealthy, 201 to 300 very unhealthy, and 300 and above hazardous.

–NMT