Haze stretches from Tawau to Perak as 20 areas record unhealthy air, Kuching and Serian hit 169

An MRT passenger masks up during the commute in the Klang Valley as haze pushes air quality to unhealthy levels in parts of Malaysia. — Bernama pic

First Published: Saturday, 19 Sep 2026 10:19 AM MYT

KUALA LUMPUR, Sept 19 — As of 9am today, 20 areas nationwide are recording unhealthy Air Pollutant Index (API) readings.

According to the Malaysian Air Pollutant Index Management System (APIMS) portal, Kuching and IPD Serian in Sarawak recorded the highest reading at 169.

Six other areas in the state also registered unhealthy API levels: Samarahan (163), Sri Aman (162), Sibu (159), Sarikei (152), Bintulu (135) and Kapit (118).

Two areas in Perak logged unhealthy readings: Seri Manjung (164) and Tanjung Malim (113). 

Over in Selangor, the affected areas are Shah Alam (157), Petaling Jaya (139) and Johan Setia (113).

In addition, two areas in Kuala Lumpur registered unhealthy levels: Batu Muda (155) and Cheras (155), along with Putrajaya (154).

Unhealthy API readings were also recorded in Nilai, Negeri Sembilan (151); Larkin, Johor (139); Bukit Rambai, Melaka (111); and Tawau, Sabah (108).

Meanwhile, 37 areas recorded moderate readings, while another 10 areas registered good readings.

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 is hazardous. — Bernama