After a brief period of clearer skies, air quality took a turn for the worse in Johan Setia, Selangor, which once again saw its API level rise into the unhealthy range.
According to Malay mail, as of 9am today, Johan Setia in Selangor was the only location to record an Air Pollutant Index (API) of 152, placing it within the “unhealthy” category under the DOE’s air quality scale.
This system categorises air quality as good (0–50), moderate (51–100), unhealthy (101–200), very unhealthy (201–300), and hazardous (above 300).
Selangor were not far behind
While Johan Setia led the list, several other locations in Selangor and the Klang Valley were not far behind. Shah Alam and Putrajaya both recorded API readings of 95, inching close to the unhealthy threshold. Petaling Jaya also saw elevated levels at 92, while Cheras in Kuala Lumpur registered a slightly lower reading of 77.
Over on the state’s west coast, the situation appeared to be slightly better. Klang and Kuala Selangor reported API levels of 79 and 81 respectively, indicating some improvement in air quality in those regions.
Further north in Perak, two locations—Tasik Ipoh and Pegoh—also reported API readings that were close to crossing into the unhealthy range, though they remained just below the threshold for now.
Parents may keep their children at home
According to Free Malaysia Today, in response to the worsening haze, the Selangor state government has announced that parents may keep their children at home if they feel the air quality poses a risk.
Their absence from school will be excused, but parents or guardians must notify the school in advance.
Earlier this week, Education Minister Fadhlina Sidek said that if the API level surpasses 200—entering the “very unhealthy” category—her ministry will activate home-based teaching and learning (PdPR) for affected areas.
As the haze continues to linger, authorities are urging the public to stay informed and take necessary precautions to protect their health, especially children and vulnerable groups.
