# Penang air quality drops to unhealthy across all stations

> All four monitoring stations in Penang hit unhealthy air pollution levels, with Minden recording the worst reading at 167.
- Title: Penang air quality drops to unhealthy across all stations
- Summary: All four monitoring stations in Penang hit unhealthy air pollution levels, with Minden recording the worst reading at 167. Air quality has reached unhealthy…
- Keywords: penang, air quality, api, minden, balik pulau, seberang jaya, seberang perai, s. sundarajoo, department of environment, malaysia, haze, air pollution
- Source: Malay Mail — https://malaymail.com/news/malaysia/2026/09/16/penang-air-quality-hits-unhealthy-levels-statewide-minden-records-api-of-167/235394
- Author: Opalyn Mok
- Published: 2026-09-16T12:21:22+00:00
- Read time: 1 min
- Topics: penang, air quality, api, minden, balik pulau, seberang jaya, seberang perai, s. sundarajoo, department of environment, malaysia, haze, air pollution
## All Penang stations hit unhealthy
All four air monitoring stations in Penang reached unhealthy levels as of 11am, with Minden recording the highest API reading of 167.
## Balik Pulau close behind at 164
Balik Pulau recorded an API of 164, followed by Seberang Jaya at 162 and Seberang Perai at 160.
## Two areas worsened overnight
Minden and Balik Pulau had unhealthy readings for 24 hours, while Seberang Jaya and Seberang Perai rose from moderate to unhealthy levels.
## Vulnerable groups should stay inside
People with respiratory problems, children, seniors and pregnant women should reduce outdoor activity and seek medical help if symptoms worsen.
## Healthy people can continue carefully
Healthy individuals can maintain daily activities while monitoring local conditions and the latest API readings.
## Government monitoring with DoE
The state government is tracking air quality with the Department of Environment and will step up surveillance of open burning and fires.
## Industries urged to cut emissions
Factories in densely populated areas must cooperate by reducing emissions from major sources to help improve air quality.
## Public told to avoid open burning
Residents should refrain from activities that worsen air pollution, especially open burning, and report any incidents to authorities immediately.
## Key takeaway

Air quality has reached unhealthy levels across all of Penang, with vulnerable groups advised to limit outdoor activities and everyone urged to avoid open burning.