Want clean air today? Skip Pasir Gudang, head for Balik Pulau or Limbang

A view of the Penang sky at the Bukit Kukus Elevated Highway in Jalan Paya Terubong. Balik Pulau on the west coast of Penang island recorded the best air quality in Malaysia with the API at only 42 at 10am October 18, 2026. — Picture by Sayuti Zainudin

By Malay Mail

First Published: Sunday, 18 Oct 2026 10:52 AM MYT

Last Modified: Sunday, 18 Oct 2026 10:53 AM MYT

KUALA LUMPUR, Oct 18 — The worst place to be in Malaysia right now is Pasir Gudang in Johor, where the Air Pollutant Index (API) stood at 191 at 10am, according to the Department of Environment’s Air Pollutant Index Management System portal.

That is unhealthy air, just nine points shy of the “very unhealthy” line at 201, which the Johor industrial town crossed yesterday with a reading of 203.

It also edged up from 190 at 8am.

Now pick the best place, and the story flips: Balik Pulau in Penang recorded 42 at 10am, less than a quarter of Pasir Gudang’s reading.

Limbang in Sarawak was not far behind at 48, and both were firmly in the “good” range.

Between them lies a country breathing very differently, and the picture is clearest state by state.

A view of Pasir Gudang on October 16, 2026. A day later, the industrial city in Johor is still the most air-polluted city in Malaysia with an API of 191 at 10am October 18, 2026. — Bernama pic

Johor was again the hardest hit, with Kota Tinggi at 183, Larkin at 181, Pengerang at 178 and Batu Pahat at 168 trailing Pasir Gudang.

Negeri Sembilan came next, where Nilai recorded 171, Seremban 167 and Port Dickson 151.

In Selangor, Johan Setia led at 164, followed by Shah Alam (160), Klang (157), Petaling Jaya (156) and Banting (155).

Yet Kuala Selangor, further north in the same state, managed a moderate 84.

Melaka was not spared, with Bukit Rambai at 163, Alor Gajah at 160 and Bandaraya Melaka at 155.

Putrajaya logged 158, while in Kuala Lumpur, Cheras recorded 156 and Batu Muda 155.

East Malaysia fared better, though Sandakan in Sabah still hit 152.

In Sarawak, Sri Aman was just over the unhealthy line at 105.

Elsewhere, Labuan and the rest of Penang, Kedah, Kelantan, Perlis, Terengganu, Pahang and Perak stayed in the moderate range.

Readings between 0 and 50 are classified as good, 51 to 100 as moderate, 101 to 200 as unhealthy, 201 to 300 as very unhealthy and above 300 as hazardous.