Haze flips west: 41 areas in Peninsular Malaysia hit unhealthy levels as Sabah, Sarawak clear

A security guard looks out over Johor Bahru as haze blankets the city and reduces visibility on September 15, 2026. — Bernama pic

First Published: Wednesday, 16 Sep 2026 10:29 AM MYT

KUALA LUMPUR, Sept 16 — A total of 41 areas in Peninsular Malaysia recorded Air Pollutant Index (API) readings at unhealthy levels as of 9am today.

According to the Air Pollutant Index Management System (APIMS) portal, six areas in Selangor recorded unhealthy readings: Johan Setia (187), Shah Alam (175), Petaling Jaya (169), Klang (167), Banting (166) and Kuala Selangor (164).

In Kuala Lumpur, unhealthy readings were recorded in Cheras (179) and Batu Muda (172), while in Negeri Sembilan they involved Nilai (177), Seremban (175) and Port Dickson (160), as well as Putrajaya (176).

In Penang, four areas were at unhealthy levels: Minden (166), Balik Pulau (164), Seberang Jaya (162) and Seberang Perai (160).

Meanwhile, Perak recorded five areas at unhealthy levels: Seri Manjung (166), Tanjung Malim (164), Tasek Ipoh (162), Taiping (159) and Pegoh Ipoh (143).

Three areas in Melaka also recorded unhealthy API readings: Bukit Rambai (164), Alor Gajah (160) and Melaka City (153), while in Terengganu they involved Kuala Terengganu (164), Kemaman (154) and Paka (151).

In Pahang, unhealthy API readings were recorded in Temerloh (163), Jerantut (162), Indera Mahkota, Kuantan (157), Balok Baru, Kuantan (154) and Rompin (119).

In Johor, unhealthy readings were recorded in Tangkak (159), Pasir Gudang (152), Batu Pahat (151), Kluang (125) and Segamat (107), while in Kedah they involved Sungai Petani (157), Kulim Hi-Tech (155) and Alor Setar (119). One area in Kelantan, Tanah Merah, recorded a reading of 152.

In addition, 22 areas nationwide recorded moderate readings, including Kuching (73), Sibu (66), Serian District Police Headquarters (66), Samarahan (65), Bintulu (59), Sri Aman (55) and Miri (54) in Sarawak.

In Sabah, moderate readings were recorded in Tawau (79), Kota Kinabalu Polytechnic (71) and Keningau (56).

API readings of zero to 50 indicate good air quality, 51 to 100 moderate, 101 to 200 unhealthy, 201 to 300 very unhealthy, and 301 and above hazardous. — Bernama