Malaysia Haze September 2026: Kuching and Sri Aman Remain Very Unhealthy

The Malaysia haze September 2026 situation remains a major concern on Sunday, 6 September, with parts of Sarawak continuing to record very unhealthy air quality. Kuching registered the highest Air Pollutant Index (API) reading nationwide at 223 as of 10am, while Sri Aman stood at 215, according to data reported from the Air Pollutant Index Management System (APIMS).

Although conditions have improved from the hazardous readings reported in parts of Sarawak earlier this week, unhealthy air quality remains widespread across Malaysia.

Latest Malaysia Haze API Readings

As of 10am on 6 September, 35 areas across eight states and three Federal Territories were recording unhealthy API levels. Sarawak remained the most affected state, with 10 areas in the unhealthy category in addition to Kuching and Sri Aman at very unhealthy levels.

The API categories used in Malaysia are:

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

Earlier at 8am, Kuching and Sri Aman were already reporting very unhealthy conditions, showing that air pollution remained severe through the morning.

Hundreds of Sarawak Schools to Close

The haze has also affected education in Sarawak. A total of 647 primary and secondary schools across 12 district education offices will temporarily close from 7 to 11 September 2026.

The closure involves:

• 563 primary schools
• 84 secondary schools
• More than 198,000 pupils and students

Affected areas include Kuching, Padawan, Bau, Lundu, Samarahan, Simunjan, Serian and Sri Aman.

Separately, 63 schools in the Bintulu Division, covering Bintulu and Tatau/Sebauh districts, were also ordered to close during the same period after API readings reached very unhealthy levels.

Home-Based Learning to Continue

Affected schools will switch to Home-Based Teaching and Learning (PdPR) during the temporary closure, allowing lessons to continue while students remain away from unhealthy outdoor conditions.

Cloud Seeding Operations Continue in Sarawak

The federal government is continuing cloud seeding operations in Sarawak as part of efforts to reduce the haze.

Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Ahmad Zahid Hamidi said on Sunday that operations would depend on suitable wind movements and cloud conditions, based on advice from the Malaysian Meteorological Department.

The government hopes the operations can lower API readings, particularly ahead of the Malaysia Day celebrations scheduled in Kuching on 16 September.

[Malaysia Haze Updates] -> (Link to: latest Malaysia haze and weather coverage)

Key Facts

• Kuching recorded an API of 223 at 10am on 6 September.
• Sri Aman recorded an API of 215, also classified as very unhealthy.
• 35 locations nationwide were reporting unhealthy air quality.
• At least 647 Sarawak schools have been ordered to close from 7–11 September.
• Cloud seeding operations are continuing based on MetMalaysia advice.

What People Are Asking

Is Kuching air quality unhealthy today?

Yes. Kuching recorded an API of 223 at 10am on 6 September, placing it in the very unhealthy category.

Are Sarawak schools closed because of the haze?

Hundreds of affected schools will temporarily close from 7 to 11 September, with PdPR used during the closure period.

Will the Malaysia haze improve soon?

Conditions can change depending on weather, wind direction, rainfall and regional hotspot activity. Authorities are continuing to monitor API readings and conduct cloud seeding where conditions allow.