KUALA LUMPUR, Oct 12 — Air quality deteriorated across several states this morning, with 22 of the country's 68 monitoring stations recording unhealthy Air Pollutant Index (API) levels as schools in multiple states prepared to resume physical classes.
According to Department of Environment (DOE) surveillance data as of 8.46am, only three stations recorded good air quality while 42 were in the moderate range.
Johor emerged as the hardest-hit state, accounting for eight unhealthy stations, including the nation's highest reading of 170 in Kota Tinggi. Elevated figures were also logged in Pasir Gudang (168), Pengerang (164), Larkin (160), Tangkak (156), Batu Pahat (152), Kluang (152), and Segamat (129).
In Negeri Sembilan, Seremban recorded 164, Nilai posted 163, and coastal Port Dickson stood at 137.
Pahang logged three unhealthy stations, comprising Balok Baru in Kuantan at 162, Rompin at 157, and Indera Mahkota in Kuantan at 142. In Terengganu, elevated readings were recorded across Kemaman (157), Paka (156), and Kuala Terengganu (154).
In Melaka, Bukit Rambai logged 153, while Alor Gajah hovered just over the line at 101.
Across the Greater Klang Valley, Putrajaya registered 146, peat fire hotspot Johan Setia in Selangor recorded 129, and Cheras in Kuala Lumpur stood at 123.
Rebounding pollution complicates school reopenings
The morning spike in pollution comes as schools in Melaka, Negeri Sembilan, Pahang, Putrajaya, alongside parts of Kuala Lumpur and Selangor, were scheduled to resume regular classroom sessions today following decisions made yesterday afternoon based on 2pm moderate readings.
In Melaka, education authorities had greenlit reopenings after recording sub-100 readings yesterday, including Alor Gajah at 91 and Bukit Rambai at 94. However, both areas worsened overnight, with Bukit Rambai climbing back into the unhealthy bracket at 153 this morning.
In Putrajaya, where authorities noted readings had remained consistently below the 150 closure threshold over three days, air quality climbed from 70 yesterday afternoon to 146 this morning, hovering just beneath the closure benchmark.
Conversely, Cheras registered steady improvement, easing from 152 yesterday to 123 today. Schools under the Bangsar/Pudu District Education Office had been ordered closed yesterday due to localized pollution.
In Selangor, schools under the Hulu Langat, Gombak, and Petaling Perdana district education offices were similarly kept shut yesterday.
Health and education authorities have advised parents, high-risk groups, and students exhibiting respiratory symptoms to wear protective face masks and track real-time air quality updates via official channels.