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Regional air quality improves as only one area remains unhealthy

Air quality across South and Southeast Asia has shown marked improvement, with only Samalaju in Sarawak maintaining an unhealthy Air Pollution Index reading. The improvement signals a potential turning point in the regional haze situation.

LSN Malaysia · 27 October 2026

Regional air quality improves as only one area remains unhealthy

Air quality conditions across the region have substantially improved, with monitoring data showing that unhealthy pollution levels are now confined to a single location. Samalaju in Sarawak recorded an API reading of 152, classified as unhealthy, marking it as the only area of concern in current assessments.

The improvement comes as meteorological conditions favour the dispersal of pollutants across the region. Multiple monitoring stations that previously reported elevated readings have now returned to healthier air quality levels, indicating the haze situation is gradually easing.

Authorites continue to monitor air quality across the region closely. Residents in affected areas are advised to check real-time API readings and follow health guidelines, particularly for vulnerable populations including children, elderly persons, and those with respiratory conditions.

The API scale measures air pollution on a scale from 0 to 500, with readings above 100 considered unhealthy for general populations. Regional meteorological agencies are expected to provide updated forecasts on air quality trends in coming days as monitoring continues.