Only three locations record unhealthy API readings
PETALING JAYA: The haze situation across Malaysia has eased slightly with three localities recording unhealthy Air Pollutant Index (API) readings yesterday. As of 8pm, the affected locations were Serian (157) and…
Source: The Star Malaysia · August 16, 2026 at 11:38 PM · AI-assisted report
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JOHOR, 17 AUGUST 2026 —
According to the Department of Environment’s (DOE) Air Pollutant Index Management System, the affected areas were Serian (157) and Samarahan (152) in Sarawak, and Johan Setia (137) in Selangor.
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Unhealthy API levels range between 101 and 200. Three other stations—Kuching (94) in Sarawak, Banting (92) in Selangor, and Nilai (88) in Negeri Sembilan—were close to crossing into unhealthy territory.
Last week, as many as 11 stations nationwide recorded unhealthy API readings, with Serian peaking at 204 on Aug 12, placing it in the “very unhealthy” category. The current transboundary haze episode was first detected on Aug 8.
DOE deputy director-general (development) Azuri Azizah Saedon reported six hotspots detected nationwide—one each in Melaka and Johor, and two each in Sarawak and Sabah—based on the latest Asean Specialised Meteorological Centre (ASMC) report. She noted that enforcement actions and daily patrols have been intensified in areas prone to open burning, with API monitoring conducted regularly.
“The National Open Burning Action Plan and National Haze Action Plan have also been activated to coordinate government agencies in addressing open burning and haze situations,” she said in a statement.
The ASMC forecast indicated moderate smoke plumes over southern and western Kalimantan, with slight localized plumes in southern and central Sumatra. Dry conditions are expected to persist over southern Borneo, Java, the Lesser Sunda Islands, and Sulawesi, though scattered showers may provide temporary relief in some areas. Prolonged dryness in other regions could still elevate fire risks and transboundary haze potential.
In Sabah, the state’s Fire and Rescue Department has been conducting fire awareness programs across all districts, distributing flyers on fire hazards, safety measures, and preventive tips such as avoiding open burning, proper disposal of cigarette butts, and electrical safety. The department has urged heightened vigilance during the dry season.
Related: Johor