World · Malaysia Bureau
Thirty Malaysian locations breach unhealthy air pollution levels
Malaysia's air quality crisis deepened on Monday as haze conditions persisted across the country, with 30 monitoring stations recording API readings in the unhealthy range. Sarawak and the Klang Valley emerged as the worst-affected regions.
LSN Malaysia ·
KUALA LUMPUR — The prolonged haze afflicting Malaysia showed little sign of improvement, with air quality deteriorating across multiple regions as of Monday afternoon. The Department of Environment recorded unhealthy Air Pollutant Index (API) readings at 30 monitoring stations nationwide, signalling a worsening situation for residents and commuters.
Sarawak bore the brunt of the pollution crisis, with several stations in the state registering hazardous air quality levels. The Klang Valley, encompassing Kuala Lumpur and surrounding areas, also experienced significant air degradation, affecting millions of residents in Malaysia's most densely populated region.
Authorities have urged the public to limit outdoor activities and wear protective masks in areas with elevated API readings. Schools and businesses in heavily affected zones have implemented precautionary measures, while health officials warned vulnerable groups including children, the elderly, and those with respiratory conditions to exercise heightened caution.
The haze, attributed to regional transboundary pollution sources, has persisted despite efforts by regional governments to address the underlying causes. Malaysia's Environmental Quality Act enforcement teams continue monitoring air quality across the country, with real-time updates available through the Department of Environment's public portal.