Environment minister clarifies API discrepancies between official and app readings

KUALA LUMPUR — Air quality readings displayed on third-party mobile applications often differ from official Air Pollutant Index (API) figures released by the Department of Environment (DOE), a discrepancy that has prompted questions from lawmakers. The Environment Minister addressed the issue in Parliament this week, explaining the reasons behind the varying measurements that confuse residents attempting to monitor air pollution levels.

The DOE maintains that its API readings represent the most accurate and official assessment of air quality across Malaysia. The official index is calculated using data from monitoring stations operated and calibrated by the department, which follows standardized methodologies recognised internationally.

Third-party applications often source their data from different origins or employ alternative calculation methods, leading to discrepancies with official figures. Some apps may aggregate data from multiple sources or use predictive models that differ from the DOE's direct measurement approach. The minister emphasised that residents should refer to official DOE channels and the MyCleanAir portal for authoritative air quality information.

The DOE has recommended that the public rely on government-issued alerts and official platforms when making decisions based on air quality data. The clarification comes as Malaysia continues to grapple with seasonal air quality challenges, particularly during periods of transboundary haze in the region.