ExFunCity News | 13 Areas Record Unhealthy Air as Sarawak Haze Worsens

The Sarawak haze 2026 situation remains a major concern on September 23 as unhealthy Air Pollutant Index (API) readings continue across several parts of Malaysia, with Sarawak experiencing the most serious conditions. At 7am, 13 locations nationwide were in the unhealthy category, including 10 areas in Sarawak, while Sri Aman recorded an API of 182 — the highest reading at that time.

Latest Update

According to APIMS data reported in the morning, Sri Aman registered 182, followed by Serian at 177, Sibu at 174, Kuching at 173 and Sarikei at 169.

Mukah, Kapit, Bintulu, Samalaju and Samarahan were also among the Sarawak locations with unhealthy air quality.

Outside Sarawak, Shah Alam and Johan Setia in Selangor, as well as Nilai in Negeri Sembilan, were also in the unhealthy category.

However, the Sarawak haze 2026 situation deteriorated further as the morning progressed.

Kanowit and Lubok Antu Turn Very Unhealthy

By later in the morning, Kanowit recorded an API reading of 244, while Lubok Antu reached 205, pushing both locations into the “very unhealthy” category.

Kanowit had the highest reported API reading in Sarawak at that point.

Under Malaysia’s API classification:

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

The rapid change shows why API figures can differ throughout the day, as readings are updated regularly based on current air conditions.

Sarawak Remains the Most Affected State

Sarawak has faced repeated periods of poor air quality throughout September.

On September 22, 10 areas in the state were already recording unhealthy API levels, including Sibu, Sri Aman, Mukah, Serian, Kuching and several other locations.

Continued haze has kept air quality across the state under close monitoring, while cloud-seeding efforts have also been used in affected areas in an attempt to encourage rainfall and improve conditions.

What Malaysians Are Talking About

The Sarawak haze 2026 situation is drawing attention because API readings can change significantly within only a few hours.

Sri Aman was initially among the highest locations early in the morning, before Kanowit and Lubok Antu later moved into the very unhealthy range.

Malaysians following the haze situation are therefore encouraged to check the latest APIMS readings rather than relying on earlier figures.

What Comes Next

Authorities will continue monitoring air quality while weather conditions and haze movement remain uncertain.

For residents in affected areas, especially children, senior citizens and people with heart or respiratory conditions, reducing prolonged outdoor activity is recommended when API readings are unhealthy or worse.

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