KUALA LUMPUR, Sept 18 — Air quality across Malaysia deteriorated further by midday today, with 35 monitoring stations recording “Unhealthy” Air Pollutant Index (API) levels as of 12pm, according to Department of Environment (DoE) data.

The latest figure marks an increase from the 34 affected locations reported earlier this morning.

Johan Setia in Selangor remained the nation’s most polluted area, registering an API reading of 193 at noon. The reading keeps the area perilously close to the “Very Unhealthy” benchmark of 200, after logging a peak of 198 earlier in the day.

Sarawak and Selangor continued to bear the brunt of the regional haze. Sarawak registered the highest number of affected stations nationwide, with eight locations in the unhealthy band: Kuching (184), Samarahan (175), Serian (171), Sibu (164), Sarikei (162), Bintulu (158), Sri Aman (153), and Mukah (125).

Selangor followed closely with six stations recording elevated pollution. Alongside Johan Setia, unhealthy levels were logged in Shah Alam (172), Banting (166), Petaling Jaya (165), Klang (160), and Kuala Selangor (139).

Klang Valley, central and northern states

High readings persisted across the greater Klang Valley and neighboring states. In the Federal Territories, Putrajaya posted 176, while Kuala Lumpur logged identical readings of 168 in both Batu Muda and Cheras.

In Negeri Sembilan, Nilai recorded 180, followed by Seremban at 170 and Port Dickson at 158.

Perak recorded four affected stations, led by Seri Manjung at 173 and Tasek Ipoh at 167, with Tanjung Malim and Pegoh Ipoh registering 153 and 145 respectively.

In Melaka, all three monitoring stations recorded unhealthy air quality: Alor Gajah (163), Bukit Rambai (159), and Bandaraya Melaka (151).

Johor logged five affected locations, led by Segamat (160) and Tangkak (159), alongside Batu Pahat (155), Kluang (153), and Larkin (128).

On the East Coast, Pahang registered elevated readings in Temerloh at 152 and Jerantut at 115. In Sabah, Tawau recorded an API level of 131.

The DoE confirmed it is maintaining round-the-clock air quality surveillance across the country, cautioning that readings will continue to fluctuate based on regional wind shifts and transboundary hotspot activity.