World · Malaysia Bureau
Air quality deteriorates across Johor and Sarawak to unhealthy levels
Seven locations in Malaysia recorded unhealthy Air Pollutant Index readings on Thursday, with Johor bearing the brunt of the pollution spike. Residents in affected areas are advised to limit outdoor activities.
LSN Malaysia ·
KUALA LUMPUR, Oct 4 — Seven Malaysian locations recorded unhealthy Air Pollutant Index (API) readings on Thursday, with six areas in Johor and one in Sarawak experiencing poor air quality conditions.
Batu Pahat, Segamat and Kluang in Johor were among the worst-affected areas, where residents faced significantly degraded outdoor air quality. The spike in API levels prompted health warnings for vulnerable populations including children, the elderly and those with respiratory conditions.
The Environmental Quality Ministry did not immediately clarify the source of the pollution, though transboundary haze and local industrial activity are common factors during such episodes in the region. Authorities typically recommend that residents in affected areas reduce outdoor exposure and use air purification measures indoors when API readings breach unhealthy thresholds.
Members of the public are advised to monitor API forecasts issued by the ministry's website and social media channels for real-time updates on air quality in their respective areas. The situation is expected to be reassessed in coming days as weather patterns may influence pollutant dispersal across the region.