By The Straits Times | Created at 2026-08-25 05:46:41 | Updated at 2026-09-03 14:58:14
1 week ago
PETALING JAYA – The air quality across 30 areas in Malaysia was reported to be at unhealthy levels on Aug 25.
As of 11am, IPD Serian in Sarawak recorded the nation’s worst Air Pollutant Index (API) reading at 180, closely followed by Johan Setia, Selangor, at 175. Other severely affected areas included Sri Aman (170) and Kuching (163) in Sarawak, Shah Alam (162) in Selangor, and Putrajaya (156).
Satellite data from the Asean Specialised Meteorological Centre (ASMC) identified widespread agricultural hotspots across thousands of hectares in neighbouring Sumatra, Indonesia. Strong south-west monsoon winds are carrying the dense smoke directly across the Malacca Straits to the Malaysian peninsula.
According to the Air Pollutant Index Management System (APIMS), 37 areas nationwide recorded moderate air quality, while zero areas reported “good” air readings. Only isolated pockets in Johor, Negeri Sembilan, Melaka, Kedah, and Perlis managed to stay below the 100 threshold.
An API reading between 0 and 50 is categorised as good, 51 to 100 as moderate, 101 to 200 as unhealthy, 201 to 300 as very unhealthy, and above 300 as hazardous. THE STAR/ASIA NEWS NETWORK
