Malaysia Haze 2026: 21 Areas Record Unhealthy API as Air Quality Worsens

The Malaysia haze 2026 situation worsened on Monday, August 24, with 21 locations nationwide recording unhealthy Air Pollutant Index (API) levels as of 7pm.

Data reported from the Air Pollutant Index Management System (APIMS) showed Sarawak remained the worst-affected state. Serian recorded the highest API reading in Malaysia at 190, placing it close to the “very unhealthy” threshold of 201.

Sarawak Records Some of Malaysia’s Highest API Levels

Seven locations in Sarawak were classified as unhealthy at 7pm.

The recorded API readings included:

• Serian: 190
• Kuching: 181
• Samarahan: 172
• Sri Aman: 155
• Mukah: 151
• Bintulu: 136
• Miri: 110

Earlier at 2pm, only 12 areas nationwide were classified as unhealthy, showing a notable deterioration in air quality during the afternoon and evening.

Unhealthy Air Quality Spreads Across Peninsular Malaysia

The haze was not limited to East Malaysia.

Selangor recorded unhealthy readings in Johan Setia at 164, Shah Alam at 151 and Kuala Selangor at 117. Kedah recorded 154 in Sungai Petani and 130 in Alor Setar.

Other affected areas included Seri Manjung, Tanjung Malim and Tasek Ipoh in Perak, as well as Cheras, Putrajaya, Kota Tinggi, Segamat, Bukit Rambai and Minden.

By 7pm:

• 21 areas had unhealthy air quality
• 47 areas recorded moderate API levels
• No monitoring areas recorded good air quality

What Do Malaysia’s API Readings Mean?

Malaysia uses the API to communicate ambient air quality and its potential effects on health. The Department of Environment classifies readings as follows:

• 0–50: Good
• 51–100: Moderate
• 101–200: Unhealthy
• 201–300: Very unhealthy
• Above 300: Hazardous

At unhealthy levels between 101 and 200, Malaysia’s Ministry of Health advises high-risk groups to limit outdoor activities, while the general public should reduce strenuous outdoor activity.

Key Facts

• Malaysia recorded 21 unhealthy API locations as of 7pm on August 24.
• Serian recorded the country’s highest API reading at 190.
• Sarawak had seven locations classified as unhealthy.
• Unhealthy air quality also affected Selangor, Kedah, Perak, Kuala Lumpur, Putrajaya, Johor, Melaka and Penang.
• APIMS readings are updated hourly using monitoring stations nationwide.

What People Are Asking

Is the haze getting worse in Malaysia?

Yes. The number of areas with unhealthy API readings increased from 12 at 2pm to 21 by 7pm on August 24.

Which area has the worst haze in Malaysia?

As of 7pm, Serian in Sarawak recorded the highest API reading at 190, followed by Kuching at 181.

Is an API of 190 dangerous?

An API between 101 and 200 is classified as unhealthy. People in higher-risk groups are advised to limit outdoor activities, while the public should reduce strenuous outdoor activity until conditions improve.