# Haze blankets Peninsular Malaysia as east coast clears

> 41 areas across the peninsula hit unhealthy air quality levels while Sabah and Sarawak see moderate readings.
- Title: Haze blankets Peninsular Malaysia as east coast clears
- Summary: 41 areas across the peninsula hit unhealthy air quality levels while Sabah and Sarawak see moderate readings. Air pollution has shifted dramatically…
- Keywords: haze, air pollution, peninsular malaysia, sabah, sarawak, air pollutant index, selangor, kuala lumpur, api readings, air quality, apims, bernama
- Source: Malay Mail — https://malaymail.com/news/malaysia/2026/09/16/haze-blankets-peninsular-malaysia-with-41-areas-at-unhealthy-api-levels/235384
- Published: 2026-09-16T10:29:30+00:00
- Read time: 1 min
- Topics: haze, air pollution, peninsular malaysia, sabah, sarawak, air pollutant index, selangor, kuala lumpur, api readings, air quality, apims, bernama
## 41 areas hit unhealthy levels
As of 9am on September 16, 41 areas across Peninsular Malaysia recorded unhealthy Air Pollutant Index readings. East Malaysia's Sabah and Sarawak only showed moderate levels.
## Selangor worst hit region
Six areas in Selangor recorded unhealthy readings, with Johan Setia reaching 187, the highest in the country. Shah Alam hit 175 and Petaling Jaya 169.
## Kuala Lumpur chokes on haze
Cheras recorded 179 and Batu Muda 172, both in the unhealthy range. Putrajaya also hit 176.
## Multiple states affected nationwide
Negeri Sembilan, Penang, Perak, Melaka, Terengganu, Pahang, Johor, Kedah and Kelantan all recorded areas with unhealthy air quality. Readings ranged from 107 to 187.
## East Malaysia sees clearer skies
All 22 areas with moderate readings were in Sabah and Sarawak. Kuching recorded 73, Tawau 79, and other eastern cities stayed well below unhealthy thresholds.
## Understanding the API scale
Readings from 0 to 50 mean good air quality, 51 to 100 is moderate, and anything above 100 is unhealthy. Above 200 is very unhealthy, and 301 plus is hazardous.

> An API reading of 0 to 50 indicates good air quality, 51 to 100 moderate, 101 to 200 unhealthy, 201 to 300 very unhealthy, and 301 and above hazardous.
## Key takeaway

Air pollution has shifted dramatically westward, with Peninsular Malaysia now bearing the brunt of unhealthy haze while East Malaysia clears up.