No clear skies yet for Johor as haze persists

JOHOR BARU: All eight air quality monitoring stations in Johor recorded unhealthy Air Pollutant Index (API) readings today.

Larkin recorded the highest reading in the state at 183, followed by Batu Pahat (182), Pasir Gudang (177), Tangkak (170) and Pengerang (165). Kluang, Kota Tinggi and Segamat each recorded 161.

Klang, Selangor, recorded the country's highest API reading at 192, also in the unhealthy category.

The readings, driven mainly by fine particulate matter (PM2.5), reflect persistent haze in Johor despite intermittent rain.

The Malaysian Meteorological Department (MetMalaysia) forecast isolated thunderstorms over inland areas of Johor in the afternoon and evening.

While the forecast offers the possibility of localised rain, it does not guarantee improved air quality across the state.

The haze comes as Johor prepares for the northeast monsoon, which is expected to begin towards the end of October and continue until mid-March next year.

The National Climate Forum (FIK) 2026 was held at Universiti Teknologi Malaysia here on Oct 13.

State Health and Environment Committee chairman Ling Tian Soon said the forum provided a strategic platform to strengthen the country's preparedness for extreme weather, climate change and disaster risks through research, expertise and cross-sector cooperation.

He said preparations for the 2026/2027 monsoon season must also take into account the developing El Niño phenomenon, which is expected to strengthen towards the end of this year and could affect national weather patterns and rainfall distribution.

The northeast monsoon typically brings prolonged heavy rain, particularly to the east coast of Peninsular Malaysia, western Sarawak and eastern Sabah, increasing the risk of floods and landslides and disrupting communities and economic activity.

Ling said preparedness was critical as the country faced overlapping weather and environmental challenges.

With all eight monitoring stations in Johor reporting unhealthy air, residents are advised to limit prolonged or strenuous outdoor activities, particularly children, older people and those with respiratory or heart conditions.

API readings of 101 to 200 are classified as unhealthy, while readings of 201 to 300 are considered very unhealthy.