Malaysia Issues Air Quality Alert as Haze from Regional Hotspots Affects Country

PUTRAJAYA, July 20: The Department of Environment (JAS) has reported a significant decline in air quality in parts of Malaysia, with Port Dickson, Negeri Sembilan, recording an unhealthy Air Pollutant Index (API) of 117 as of 3:00 PM today.

The drop in air quality is attributed to transboundary haze, with no major local fires detected. According to the ASEAN Specialised Meteorological Centre (ASMC) in Singapore, satellite imagery from the NOAA-20 detected 79 hotspots in Sumatra, 8 in Kalimantan, and 4 in Malaysia’s Pahang state on July 18, 2025.

Regional haze movement is being driven by southwesterly winds, exacerbated by dry conditions across southern Peninsular Malaysia, Sumatra, Java, the Lesser Sunda Islands, and southern Kalimantan. Isolated smoke plumes were observed, particularly in northern and central Sumatra.

The Department of Environment has intensified daily patrols and enforcement to curb open burning while also continuously monitoring API readings across the country. In response to the haze threat, the National Open Burning Action Plan and the National Haze Action Plan (PTJK) have been activated to coordinate efforts among relevant government agencies.

• Disaster Management Committees will be activated by NADMA at district, state, and national levels if API readings exceed 150 for over 24 hours.

• All outdoor activities in schools must be suspended when API exceeds 100.

• Immediate school, kindergarten, and childcare center closures are mandated once the API exceeds 200. Preparations should begin when the API trend approaches this threshold.

• Cloud seeding operations will be initiated if suitable weather conditions exist and API readings stay above 150 for more than 24 hours.

The public is urged to avoid all forms of open burning. Landowners must monitor high-risk areas such as landfills, forests, peatlands, and agricultural zones. Under Section 29(A) of the Environmental Quality Act 1974, violators can face fines of up to RM500,000, jail time of up to 5 years, or both. A maximum compound of RM2,000 may also be imposed per offense.

• Real-time API data is available via the Department of Environment’s website (https://eqms.doe.gov.my/APIMS/main) or the MyIPU mobile app on Google Play.

• Health advisories and haze-related precautions are provided by the Ministry of Health Malaysia (www.moh.gov.my).

• The public is encouraged to help extinguish small fires and report open burning to:

  • Fire and Rescue Department (BOMBA) – 999

  • Department of Environment (DOE) toll-free – 1-800-88-2727

As Malaysia faces the seasonal haze challenge, authorities are urging public cooperation to protect health and mitigate environmental risks during this critical period.