# Haze tightens grip on Malaysia

> Malaysia's air quality worsens as 32 areas hit unhealthy API levels.
- Title: Haze tightens grip on Malaysia · Malay Mail | Shortify
- Summary: Malaysia's air quality worsens as 32 areas hit unhealthy API levels. Malaysia's 32 areas now record unhealthy air quality readings with Serian IPD in Sarawak…
- Keywords: malaysia, air quality, api readings, serian ipd, sarawak, unhealthy api, news, world, Haze, tightens, grip, Malay Mail
- Source: Malay Mail — https://malaymail.com/news/malaysia/2026/09/20/haze-tightens-its-grip-32-areas-now-recording-unhealthy-api-readings/235898
- Published: 2026-09-20T18:06:13+00:00
- Read time: 1 min
- Topics: malaysia, air quality, api readings, serian ipd, sarawak, unhealthy api, news, world
## Haze spreads across Malaysia
Thirty-two areas nationwide recorded unhealthy Air Pollutant Index readings as of 4:30pm today.
## Serian IPD leads unhealthy readings
Serian IPD in Sarawak recorded the highest API reading at 173, followed by nine other areas in the state.
## Sarawak and Selangor affected
Sarawak's Samarahan, Kuching, Sri Aman, Bintulu, Miri, Sibu, Samalaju, Limbang, and ILP Miri all recorded unhealthy API levels.
## Putrajaya and Shah Alam also impacted
Putrajaya, Nilai, Negeri Sembilan, Shah Alam, Selangor, Seremban, and three Johor areas recorded unhealthy API readings.
## API levels explained
API readings above 100 indicate unhealthy air quality, with 101-200 considered unhealthy and 201-300 very unhealthy.
## Key takeaway

Malaysia's 32 areas now record unhealthy air quality readings with Serian IPD in Sarawak at 173.