KUALA LUMPUR: Nilai, Negri Sembilan, recorded the country's highest Air Pollutant Index (API) reading of 159 at 5pm today, with 17 monitoring stations reporting unhealthy air quality and 49 recording moderate levels.
The Department of Environment's Air Pollutant Index Management System (Apims) showed Batu Muda in Kuala Lumpur, Klang in Selangor and Seremban in Negri Sembilan recording readings of 157 each.
Johan Setia in Selangor recorded an API reading of 156, followed by Bandaraya Melaka at 154.
In Johor, Batu Pahat and Tangkak recorded readings of 153 each, while Petaling Jaya registered 152.
Other areas with unhealthy air quality were in Negri Sembilan, Selangor, Kuala Lumpur, Melaka and Johor.
Among stations recording moderate air quality were Cheras in Kuala Lumpur and Port Dickson in Negri Sembilan, both at 99, followed by Pasir Gudang (98), Segamat (96) and Kluang (92) in Johor, and Samarahan in Sarawak (90).
API readings of zero to 50 indicate good air quality, 51 to 100 moderate, 101 to 200 unhealthy, 201 to 300 very unhealthy and above 300 hazardous.
The readings come as Malaysia prepares for the 2026/2027 Northeast Monsoon, which is expected to begin on Oct 27 and continue until March next year.
Malaysian Meteorological Department director-general Dr Mohd Hisham Mohd Anip said the monsoon was expected to bring three to five episodes of continuous heavy rain during its early phase.
While rain may help clear airborne pollutants in some areas, its impact on haze will depend on local weather conditions and pollution sources.
The public is advised to monitor air quality readings and weather advisories. Children, the elderly and those with respiratory or heart conditions should take extra precautions when air quality is unhealthy.
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