Malaysia is currently grappling with prolonged haze conditions that show no immediate signs of easing, with air quality reaching unhealthy levels across multiple regions. According to data from the Malaysian Air Pollutant Index Management System (APIMS), 30 stations nationwide have recorded Air Pollutant Index (API) readings in the unhealthy bracket. Selangor has emerged as the most affected state, housing six areas with readings exceeding 100, led by Johan Setia at 175.
Malaysia Faces Unhealthy Air Quality Across 30 Stations
Additional affected areas in Selangor include Shah Alam (162), Kuala Selangor (155), Klang (153), Petaling Jaya (152), and Banting (151). In Sarawak, five locations registered unhealthy air, featuring the Serian District Police Headquarters (IPD) at 180—marking the highest individual reading nationwide and nearing the very unhealthy threshold—alongside Sri Aman (170), Kuching (163), Samarahan (156), and Sarikei (152). Perak also recorded unhealthy readings in Tanjung Malim (156), Seri Manjung (154), Tasek Ipoh (154), Taiping (153), and Pegoh Ipoh (145), while Johor reported elevated pollution in Batu Pahat, Segamat, and Tangkak at 152 each, alongside Kota Tinggi at 115.
Further unhealthy API levels were logged in Minden (155), Balik Pulau (151), and Seberang Perai (146) in Penang; Nilai (155) and Seremban (152) in Negeri Sembilan; Bukit Rambai (155) and Alor Gajah (151) in Melaka; Putrajaya at 156; Sungai Petani (152) in Kedah; and Batu Muda (156) in Kuala Lumpur. Meanwhile, 37 other areas recorded moderate air quality, and zero regions reported good, very unhealthy, or hazardous conditions. APIMS updates its data hourly from 68 monitoring stations across the country.
Government Calls for Collective ASEAN Action Against Transboundary Haze
In response to the deteriorating environment, Natural Resources and Environmental Sustainability Minister Datuk Seri Arthur Joseph Kurup stated that Malaysia is urging collective action from all ASEAN member states to boost preparedness against transboundary haze risks. Speaking through an official letter sent to ASEAN Secretary-General Dr Kao Kim Hourn, Kurup emphasized preventative measures, national readiness, and continuous monitoring grounded in the ASEAN Agreement on Transboundary Haze Pollution (AATHP).
Kurup noted that current weather monitoring reveals persistent dry conditions in the southern ASEAN region, leading to increased hotspot activity and haze. He warned that these conditions risk expanding further as the El Niño phenomenon is expected to gradually strengthen over the coming months. Member states have been urged to maintain tight monitoring in high-risk zones, step up hotspot surveillance, enforce open burning prohibitions efficiently, and ensure firefighting operations are prepared.
Malaysia also welcomed the proactive role of the ASEAN Secretariat acting as the Interim Coordinating Centre for ASEAN Transboundary Haze Pollution Control (ACC THPC). Experts point out that regional cooperation could be further optimized. Fredolin Tangang of Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia (UKM) noted that authorities often remain reactive despite El Nino seasons being predictable at least six months in advance, while environmental researcher Helena Varkkey highlighted that ASEAN’s 2002 haze treaty currently requires an affected country’s request or consent before neighboring emergency support can be deployed.
Domestic Legislation Debates and Personal Protection Advice
Amid the worsening conditions, environmental groups are pressing for stronger domestic accountability. Greenpeace country representative Heng Kiah Chun previously urged Putrajaya to enact a comprehensive Clean Air Act to address transboundary pollution and hold Malaysian citizens and businesses accountable for overseas operations contributing to haze. While the Malaysian Cabinet agreed in principle in February 2020 to introduce a Transboundary Haze Act, the proposal was subsequently shelved following a change of government.
As institutional discussions continue, health professionals advise individuals to take direct precautions. Devi, a Johor Bahru-based doctor, recommended that households use air purifiers to combat dry, haze-affected air and wear masks outdoors when API levels rise into unhealthy brackets, emphasizing the importance of breathing clean indoor air.
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