Malaysia Haze 2026: Three Areas Record Unhealthy Air QualityThe Malaysia haze 2026 situation remained under close watch on Monday, 17 August, as air quality readings changed throughout the day. Johan Setia in Selangor remained in the unhealthy range, while Serian and Samarahan in Sarawak also recorded unhealthy Air Pollutant Index (API) levels by the evening.At 1pm, Johan Setia recorded an API of 137 and was the only monitoring station nationwide classified as unhealthy at that time, according to the Department of Environment (DOE).However, readings later worsened in parts of Sarawak. By 8pm, Serian recorded an API of 157, Samarahan 152 and Johan Setia 137.Latest Malaysia API ReadingsMalaysia's API classifications are:0–50: Good51–100: Moderate101–200: Unhealthy201–300: Very unhealthyAbove 300: HazardousAreas With Unhealthy Air QualityAs of 8pm on 17 August:Serian, Sarawak: API 157Samarahan, Sarawak: API 152Johan Setia, Selangor: API 137Earlier at 10am, Johan Setia had registered an API of 151 before falling to 137 at 1pm.What Is Causing the Malaysia Haze?Regional haze monitoring indicates that smoke from fires in parts of Indonesia remains an important factor.The ASEAN Specialised Meteorological Centre reported dry conditions across much of the southern ASEAN region, with hotspot activity concentrated mainly in Sumatra and Kalimantan. Moderate transboundary smoke plumes from West Kalimantan were observed drifting north towards western Sarawak.This helps explain why parts of Sarawak recorded deteriorating air quality later in the day.The ASMC warned that continued dry weather could allow hotspot and smoke-haze activity to increase in fire-prone areas, although isolated showers may provide temporary relief in some locations.Authorities Step Up Haze MonitoringThe DOE said patrols and drone surveillance had been intensified around Johan Setia. Ground inspections did not find active open burning in the area at the time of checks.Malaysia's National Open Burning Action Plan and National Haze Action Plan have also been activated to coordinate enforcement and monitoring efforts.Residents are encouraged to monitor official API readings, particularly before prolonged outdoor activities.Key FactsThree locations recorded unhealthy API readings by 8pm on 17 August 2026.Serian recorded the highest evening reading among them at API 157.Johan Setia remained unhealthy at API 137.Regional monitoring detected smoke moving from West Kalimantan towards western Sarawak.Dry conditions could keep the risk of transboundary haze elevated over the coming days.What People Are AskingIs there haze in Malaysia today?Yes. On 17 August 2026, unhealthy air quality was recorded in Johan Setia, Serian and Samarahan by 8pm.Which area has the worst API reading?Among the three unhealthy locations reported at 8pm, Serian had the highest API at 157.Where is the haze coming from?Regional monitoring shows smoke associated with hotspots in Sumatra and Kalimantan, with smoke from West Kalimantan observed moving towards western Sarawak.Will the haze continue?The exact situation can change hourly, but the ASMC says prolonged dry conditions may allow hotspot and haze activity to escalate in affected parts of the region.