Haze worsens, 33 areas record unhealthy air quality
Kuala Lumpur, September 29 — Air quality across Malaysia deteriorated significantly as 33 areas in nine states recorded unhealthy Air Pollution Index (IPU) readings by this morning, according to data from the Malaysian…
Source: Sinar Harian · Borneo Post · September 30, 2026 at 2:32 AM · AI-assisted report
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KUALA LUMPUR, 30 SEPTEMBER 2026 —
Kuala Lumpur, September 29 — Air quality across Malaysia deteriorated significantly as 33 areas in nine states recorded unhealthy Air Pollution Index (IPU) readings by this morning, according to data from the Malaysian Air Pollution Index Management System (APIMS).
Market Impact
The widespread haze impact spans Selangor, Kuala Lumpur, Johor, Negeri Sembilan, Pahang, Melaka, Terengganu, Perak, and Sarawak, marking a sharp decline in atmospheric conditions for the region.
Johan Setia in Selangor recorded the highest IPU reading at 176, followed closely by Cheras in Kuala Lumpur at 173, Nilai in Negeri Sembilan at 171, and Shah Alam in Selangor at 170. Several other locations registered readings exceeding 160, including Pasir Gudang in Johor (169), Batu Muda in Kuala Lumpur (166), Putrajaya (165), Larkin in Johor (165), Seremban (164), Klang (163), and both Indera Mahkota and Balok Baru in Kuantan, Pahang (163 each).
In Selangor, unhealthy conditions were also noted in Petaling Jaya (161), Banting (160), and Kuala Selangor (154).
Johor emerged as one of the most affected states, with seven stations recording unhealthy levels, including Pasir Gudang (169), Larkin (165), Kota Tinggi (160), Pengerang (155), Batu Pahat (154), Tangkak (152), Kluang (131), and Segamat (115). In Melaka, Bandaraya Melaka logged 160, followed by Bukit Rambai (156) and Alor Gajah (136). Terengganu saw Kuala Terengganu record an IPU of 157, while Kemaman and Paka registered 154 and 152 respectively.
Pahang’s readings included Rompin at 152 and Jerantut at 132, alongside the Kuantan stations. In Perak, Seri Manjung recorded 154 and Tanjung Malim 146, while IPD Serian in Sarawak noted a reading of 140.
IPU readings between 101 and 200 are categorized as unhealthy, posing risks to sensitive groups such as children, the elderly, and individuals with respiratory or heart conditions. Authorities advised the public to reduce outdoor activities, wear face masks when in open areas, and monitor the latest air quality information via the APIMS website.
The data highlights the immediate health implications of the current haze episode, necessitating strict adherence to safety guidelines for vulnerable populations across the affected states.
Related: Kuala Lumpur