Pasir Gudang registers the nation's worst air quality reading at 190
The Department of Environment reported that Pasir Gudang in Johor posted the highest unhealthy API reading of 190, with 24 other locations also exceeding safe levels.
On Oct 18 the Department of Environment’s APIMS portal indicated that 25 Malaysian regions experienced unhealthy air pollutant index levels. Pasir Gudang, Johor, recorded the peak value of 190, followed by Larkin and Kota Tinggi (181), Pengerang (178) and several other Johor towns ranging from 160 to 169. In Selangor, readings spanned from 163 in Johan Setia to 156 in Banting, while Putrajaya logged 159.
Kuala Lumpur’s Cheras and Batu Muda measured 156 and 155 respectively. Negeri Sembilan, Melaka, Sabah and Sarawak also reported unhealthy figures, with Nilai reaching 172. Overall, 41 areas were in the moderate range and two remained good, according to the DOE.
Why it matters
High pollution levels pose health risks and may prompt emergency measures for residents.
How this story developed
- Sep 27 Sumatra forest fires blamed for worsening haze over Johor and nearby regions
- Sep 28 A coalition of civil society and indigenous groups has filed a class-action lawsuit accusing the Indonesian government of failing to prevent massive forest and peatland fires in West Kalimantan.
- Oct 5 The Department of Environment reported that Malaysia contributed only about 3% of fire hotspots detected by satellite in southern Southeast Asia, with most occurring in Indonesia's Kalimantan and Sumatra.
- Oct 8 Prime Minister Anwar said the worsening haze is a serious health risk and has asked President Prabowo to take action, while Malaysia ramps up cloud seeding.
- Oct 10 Kuala Lumpur and Singapore now record AQI levels that place them among the world’s most polluted major cities.
- Oct 10 The class‑action suit moved to a hearing in Pontianak, where no defendants were present.
- Oct 13 Updated satellite data reveal further growth in Sumatra's fire hotspots.
- Oct 15 The government, led by Sustainability and Environment Minister Grace Fu, is gathering evidence and keeping legal options open as PSI levels in western Singapore entered the very unhealthy range. The 2014 law allows fines up to S$100,000 per day, capped at S$2 million, for companies whose fires produce prolonged haze. Enforcement has been challenging, with limited data from Indonesian authorities and four firms still under investigation. Fu also urged Indonesia to curb the fires and called for ASEAN cooperation.
- Oct 15 Singapore’s health ministry announced subsidies limiting out‑of‑pocket costs for haze‑related illnesses.
- Oct 16 President Prabowo appointed army general Kristomei Sianturi to lead BNPB.
- Oct 16 Indonesia formally accepted regional assistance and technical talks on its implementation are underway.
- Oct 16 Legal notices were served on seven Indonesian firms for their role in the haze.
- Oct 16 Mask vending machines slated to be fully operational by Friday night
- Oct 18 ASEAN’s specialised meteorological centre triggered a Level 3 air‑quality alert for the southern region.
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