DOE: Air quality mostly moderate nationwide, Johan Setia stands out with unhealthy reading 137

General view of Putrajaya’s administrative centre, visibility slightly reduced by haze on Aug 16. — Bernama pic

By Malay Mail

First Published: Monday, 17 Aug 2026 2:24 PM MYT

PETALING JAYA, Aug 17 — Johan Setia in Selangor recorded an Air Pollutant Index (API) of 137 at 1pm today, the only location nationwide to report unhealthy air quality, the Department of Environment (DOE) said in a statement.

Across the country, eight stations reported good levels and 58 stations at moderate. The DOE said it had intensified patrols and drone monitoring in Johan Setia but found no open burning. Ground checks also confirmed no such activity, with banners prohibiting burning installed as a preventive measure.

The DOE said overall inspections found conditions in Johan Setia were under control, with no open burning detected at the time.

According to the department, satellite data from the Asean Specialised Meteorological Centre (ASMC) on August 16 detected 323 hotspots in Kalimantan, 61 in Sumatra and one in Pahang.

Regional haze maps showed moderate to dense smoke from clusters of hotspots in Kalimantan and lighter haze from central Sumatra, with several monitoring stations there recording unhealthy to hazardous levels.

The DOE said national action plans on open burning and haze had been activated to coordinate enforcement. Landowners are urged to monitor vulnerable areas such as landfills, peatlands, farms and plantations to prevent trespassing and fires.

The public is also reminded not to carry out open burning.

Under the Environmental Quality Act (Amendment) 2024, offenders face fines between RM25,000 and RM1 million, up to five years’ jail, or both. Compounds of up to 50 per cent of the maximum fine may also be imposed.

Hourly API readings are available at DOE’s website or via the MyJAS EQMS mobile app. The public may report open burning to the Fire and Rescue Department at 999 or the DOE hotline at 1-800-88-2727.