Sarawak leads haze misery as Serian hits 194, unhealthy API spreads to Selangor, Kedah, Penang

City skyline shrouded in haze, Kuala Lumpur, August 13, 2026. — Picture by Firdaus Latif

First Published: Monday, 24 Aug 2026 11:47 AM MYT

KUALA LUMPUR, Aug 24 — Ten areas in four states recorded unhealthy Air Pollutant Index (API) readings as of 10am today, with Serian, Sarawak recording the highest reading, nearing the very unhealthy level.

According to data from the Air Pollutant Index Management System (APIMS) portal, Sarawak was the worst-affected state, with five areas recording readings above 100, including the Serian district police headquarters (IPD), which recorded an API reading of 194.

Other areas in the state that recorded unhealthy air quality were Kuching (176), Samarahan (172), Sri Aman (158) and Bintulu (125).

The other five areas recording unhealthy API levels were Johan Setia (160) and Kuala Selangor (101) in Selangor; Sungai Petani (155) and Alor Setar (152) in Kedah; and Minden in Penang (130).

A further 58 areas nationwide recorded moderate air quality.

An API reading of zero to 50 indicates good air quality, 51 to 100 moderate, 101 to 200 unhealthy, 201 to 300 very unhealthy, and readings above 300 hazardous.

API data is released hourly based on readings recorded at 68 air quality monitoring stations nationwide. — Bernama