Pasir Gudang records worst air quality as 20 Malaysian stations remain unhealthy

Pasir Gudang logged an Air Pollutant Index (API) reading of 181 on Wednesday, marking the worst air quality recorded in the country, according to environmental monitoring data. The reading falls within the unhealthy category, indicating residents in the area face potential health risks from prolonged exposure to pollutants.

While overall air quality showed marginal improvement across Malaysia's monitoring network, two dozen stations still registered unhealthy levels. The API measures concentrations of five major pollutants including particulate matter, nitrogen dioxide, sulphur dioxide, ozone, and carbon monoxide.

Readings above 100 are considered unhealthy, while those exceeding 150 pose serious health risks, particularly for vulnerable groups including children, elderly residents, and people with respiratory conditions. The government continues to monitor air quality levels throughout the region as part of its environmental surveillance programme.

Authorities typically recommend that residents in areas with unhealthy air quality limit outdoor activities and use air purifiers indoors to minimise health impacts. The situation remains under observation as weather patterns and industrial activities continue to influence regional air quality.