ExfunCity News | Malaysia Haze 2026: 23 Areas Record Unhealthy Air, Johor Worst Hit

Malaysia haze 2026 remains a major concern as 23 areas nationwide recorded unhealthy Air Pollutant Index (API) readings as of 10 AM on Monday, October 12, 2026.

According to Malaysia's Department of Environment (DOE) Air Pollutant Index Management System (APIMS), Kota Tinggi in Johor recorded the highest API at 170, followed by Pasir Gudang at 169 and Seremban in Negeri Sembilan at 166.

Southern Peninsular Malaysia, particularly Johor, Negeri Sembilan and Melaka, continues to experience some of the country's worst haze conditions.

Latest News: Johor Records Malaysia's Worst Air Quality

Johor remains the most heavily affected state in the Malaysia haze 2026 situation.

Seven locations in the state recorded unhealthy API readings as of 10 AM:

• Kota Tinggi: 170
• Pasir Gudang: 169
• Pengerang: 164
• Larkin: 159
• Tangkak: 155
• Batu Pahat: 152
• Kluang: 152

Under Malaysia's air quality classification system, API readings between 101 and 200 are considered unhealthy.

Readings between 201 and 300 are classified as very unhealthy, while readings above 300 indicate hazardous pollution levels.

The latest official readings are available through the Malaysia DOE APIMS portal.

Latest Update: Negeri Sembilan, Pahang and Terengganu Affected

The Malaysia haze 2026 situation extends beyond Johor, with several other states reporting unhealthy air quality.

In Negeri Sembilan, Seremban recorded an API of 166, Nilai 164 and Port Dickson 152.

Pahang also experienced unhealthy conditions, with Balok Baru recording 162, Rompin 157 and Indera Mahkota in Kuantan 130.

Meanwhile, Terengganu reported API readings of 156 in Kemaman, 155 in Paka and 151 in Kuala Terengganu.

Other affected locations included Putrajaya at 151, Cheras in Kuala Lumpur at 127 and Johan Setia in Selangor at 123.

Related report: Free Malaysia Today – 23 Areas Record Unhealthy Air

Current Status: Unhealthy Areas Increase From 14 to 23

The latest Malaysia haze 2026 figures show that air quality deteriorated overnight in several parts of the country.

According to reports on October 12, the number of areas recording unhealthy API readings increased from 14 on the previous evening to 23 by 10 AM.

Meanwhile, 42 locations recorded moderate air quality, while three monitoring stations reported good conditions.

Langkawi recorded an API of 26, Kangar 43 and Balik Pulau 44.

The figures highlight significant differences in pollution levels between northern and southern Malaysia.

Public Reactions: Why Is Malaysia Still Experiencing Haze?

The continued Malaysia haze 2026 situation has renewed attention on regional air pollution and its impact on daily life.

Forest and peatland fires in Southeast Asia can release large amounts of smoke, which may travel across national borders depending on wind conditions.

Local pollution, rainfall and atmospheric conditions can also influence air quality in individual locations.

The ongoing haze has raised concerns about outdoor activities, commuting conditions and school programmes.

What's Next: When Will Malaysia's Haze Improve?

As of October 12, authorities have not confirmed a specific date when haze conditions will completely clear nationwide.

Rainfall and changing wind patterns may help improve air quality, but pollution levels can fluctuate throughout the day.

Since official API data is updated hourly, the 10 AM figures should be treated as a snapshot rather than a forecast for the entire day.

For further updates, readers can follow The Star – Malaysia Haze Update for October 12.

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