Perak worst hit as 28 areas nationwide turn unhealthy

Members of the public wear face masks amid hazy conditions in George Town. Unhealthy air quality was recorded across several states, including Perak, Penang, Selangor, Kuala Lumpur and Sarawak. — Bernama pic

First Published: Thursday, 17 Sep 2026 10:42 AM MYT

KUALA LUMPUR, Sept 17 — A total of 28 areas nationwide recorded Air Pollutant Index (API) readings at unhealthy levels as of 9.45am today.

According to the Malaysia Air Pollutant Index Management System (APIMS) portal, five areas in Perak recorded unhealthy readings, namely Tasek Ipoh (182), Seri Manjung (180), Pegoh Ipoh (160), Taiping (157) and Tanjung Malim (154).

In Penang, four areas recorded unhealthy readings, namely Seberang Jaya (156), Minden (156), Seberang Perai (154) and Balik Pulau (110), while Selangor also recorded four, namely Johan Setia (157), Shah Alam (154), Banting (144) and Petaling Jaya (135).

In Kuala Lumpur, unhealthy readings were recorded in Cheras (157) and Batu Muda (155), while Putrajaya recorded 157.

Negeri Sembilan recorded unhealthy readings in Nilai (157) and Seremban (151), while Melaka had three areas, namely Bukit Rambai (148), Bandaraya Melaka (133) and Alor Gajah (111).

In Johor, the affected areas were Batu Pahat (152) and Kluang (144), while Kedah recorded unhealthy readings in Sungai Petani (160) and Kulim Hi-Tech (132).

Meanwhile, three other states each recorded one unhealthy area, namely Kuala Terengganu (153) in Terengganu, Jerantut (152) in Pahang and Kuching (109) in Sarawak.

In addition, 32 areas nationwide recorded readings at moderate levels, while eight areas recorded 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 (hazardous). — Bernama