Johor emerges as air pollution hotspot as haze spreads across region

KUALA LUMPUR, Sept 27 — Air quality deteriorated across Malaysia on Friday, with six areas breaching unhealthy pollution thresholds as of 9 am, signalling a widening haze problem affecting the nation.

Kota Tinggi in Johor emerged as the most severely affected location, recording an API reading of 165, displacing Sarawak's Serian from the top spot with its reading of 152. The shift underscores mounting air quality concerns in peninsular Malaysia as transboundary haze continues to affect the region.

The Air Pollutant Index measures concentrations of five key pollutants: nitrogen dioxide, sulphur dioxide, ozone, carbon monoxide and particulate matter. Readings above 100 are classified as unhealthy, posing heightened health risks particularly for vulnerable groups including children, the elderly and those with respiratory conditions.

Authorities have been monitoring the situation closely as the haze season typically intensifies during this period. The Department of Environment continues to track air quality developments across the country and advises residents in affected areas to limit outdoor activities and utilise air purification measures indoors.