Malaysia Haze 2026: Dozens of Areas Record Unhealthy API Levels

The Malaysia haze 2026 situation continued to affect large parts of the country on September 16, with dozens of locations across Peninsular Malaysia recording unhealthy Air Pollutant Index (API) readings.

According to Malaysia's Air Pollutant Index Management System (APIMS), 41 areas in Peninsular Malaysia were at unhealthy levels as of 9am on September 16. Johan Setia in Selangor recorded the highest reading at 187 at that time.

By 5pm, 38 areas in Peninsular Malaysia were still recording unhealthy air quality, showing that the haze remained widespread throughout the day.

Which Areas Are Affected by the Malaysia Haze?

The Klang Valley was among the areas significantly affected by the Malaysia haze 2026.

At 9am on September 16, unhealthy readings included:

• Johan Setia: 187
• Cheras: 179
• Nilai: 177
• Putrajaya: 176
• Shah Alam: 175
• Petaling Jaya: 169
• Klang: 167
• Minden, Penang: 166
• Seri Manjung, Perak: 166
• Kuala Selangor: 164

Unhealthy readings were also reported in parts of Kedah, Kelantan, Melaka, Terengganu, Pahang and Johor.

However, conditions in Sabah and Sarawak were generally better on September 16, with monitoring stations there mostly recording moderate API readings.

What Do Malaysia's API Levels Mean?

Malaysia uses the API to show the level of air pollution in a particular area.

The categories are:

• 0–50: Good
• 51–100: Moderate
• 101–200: Unhealthy
• 201–300: Very Unhealthy
• 301 and above: Hazardous

This means many affected areas on September 16 were within the unhealthy range, although the readings reported that day were below the very unhealthy threshold of 201.

The situation was considerably different earlier in the month. Sarawak experienced much more severe conditions, including a hazardous API reading above 500 in Serian during the earlier haze episode.

Why Is Malaysia Experiencing Haze?

Regional forest and land fires are contributing to the current transboundary haze affecting parts of Southeast Asia.

Indonesia is experiencing its most severe wildfire season in more than a decade, with prolonged dry conditions contributing to fires in areas including Borneo and Sumatra.

Indonesia's forestry minister warned on September 16 that the wildfire season could continue through October or even early November.

The fires have also affected air quality beyond Indonesia, including Malaysia and Singapore.

Malaysia has said the transboundary haze issue will be raised through diplomatic discussions with Indonesia alongside technical cooperation and preventive measures.

Could the Haze Continue?

The situation remains dependent on several factors, including rainfall, wind direction, hotspot activity and firefighting efforts in affected areas.

Indonesia has increased its response to the wildfires, deploying more than 50 aircraft for water bombing and cloud-seeding operations. International assistance has also been deployed to help fight the fires.

Because the fires may continue for several more weeks, Malaysians should continue checking official API readings rather than assuming conditions will remain the same throughout the day.

API readings can change quickly depending on weather and wind conditions.

Key Facts

• 41 areas in Peninsular Malaysia recorded unhealthy API readings at 9am on September 16.
• 38 areas remained at unhealthy levels at 5pm.
• Johan Setia recorded one of the highest readings at 187 in the morning.
• API readings between 101 and 200 are classified as unhealthy.
• Sabah and Sarawak generally recorded moderate readings on September 16.
• Regional wildfires are contributing to transboundary haze.
• Indonesia has warned that its wildfire season could continue until October or early November.

What People Are Asking

What is the API level considered unhealthy in Malaysia?

An API reading between 101 and 200 is classified as unhealthy. Readings between 201 and 300 are very unhealthy, while readings of 301 and above ar