Haze: 30 areas across Malaysia record unhealthy air quality, including Ipoh, PJ, Shah Alam and Kuching

The Petronas Twin Towers and other skyscrapers are seen shrouded in haze as viewed from the Bukit Tunku viewpoint, September 17, 2026. — Picture by Sayuti Zainudin

First Published: Thursday, 17 Sep 2026 6:05 PM MYT

KUALA LUMPUR, Sept 17 — A total of 30 areas nationwide recorded unhealthy Air Pollutant Index (API) readings as of 5pm today.

According to the Malaysia Air Pollutant Index Management System (APIMS) portal, Tasek Ipoh in Perak recorded the highest reading at 188, while three other areas in the state also had unhealthy API readings, namely Seri Manjung (179), Pegoh Ipoh (158) and Taiping (155).

In Sarawak, three areas recorded unhealthy readings: Kuching (172), Serian IPD (172) and Samarahan (167).

In Selangor, the areas with unhealthy API readings were Johan Setia (164), Shah Alam (156), Banting (154), Petaling Jaya (152) and Klang (140), while Kedah had one area, namely Sungai Petani (155).

In the capital, similar readings were recorded in Cheras (155) and Batu Muda (151), while Putrajaya recorded an API reading of 158.

The affected areas in Melaka were Bukit Rambai (154), Alor Gajah (153) and Bandaraya Melaka (152), while in Johor there were four areas: Batu Pahat (155), Segamat (152), Tangkak (148) and Kluang (117).

Jerantut in Pahang recorded 154, while three areas in Penang were affected: Minden (153), Seberang Jaya (152) and Seberang Perai (151).

Other areas with unhealthy API readings were Nilai (158) and Seremban (155) in Negeri Sembilan, as well as Kuala Terengganu (151) in Terengganu.

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 301 and above (hazardous). — Bernama