Haze hits unhealthy levels across 30 areas in Malaysia

Haze has blanketed 30 areas across Malaysia, pushing air quality into unhealthy territory as of August 25. The nation's worst Air Pollutant Index (API) reading was recorded at IPD Serian in Sarawak, hitting 180 at 11 a.m. Johan Setia in Selangor followed closely with an API of 175.

Other locations experiencing severe air quality include Sri Aman and Kuching in Sarawak, Shah Alam in Selangor, and Putrajaya. These readings indicate a significant deterioration in air conditions, impacting daily life and potentially health across the country.

Satellite data from the Asean Specialised Meteorological Centre (ASMC) points to extensive agricultural fires covering thousands of hectares in Sumatra, Indonesia. Prevailing south-west monsoon winds are the primary vector, transporting dense smoke plumes across the Malacca Straits directly onto the Malaysian peninsula.

Nationwide, 37 areas registered moderate air quality, while no locations reported "good" readings. Only scattered pockets in Johor, Negeri Sembilan, Melaka, Kedah, and Perlis managed to stay below the 100 threshold, highlighting the widespread nature of the pollution.