KUALA LUMPUR, July 21 – The air we breathe has taken a turn for the worse in parts of Peninsular Malaysia. As of 3pm today, nine areas are battling unhealthy levels of air pollution, raising concerns especially for vulnerable groups such as children, the elderly, and those with existing respiratory conditions.
Topping the list is Alor Gajah in Melaka, where the Air Pollutant Index (API) reached a concerning 157. Not far behind are Seremban in Negeri Sembilan (155) and Kemaman in Terengganu (153). These numbers aren’t just digits—they reflect the reality of the air families are breathing every day.
Selangor’s Johan Setia also made the list with an API of 152, alongside Temerloh and Balok Baru in Kuantan, both at the same level. Other affected areas include Nilai (138), Banting (135), and Cheras in Kuala Lumpur (132).
To put things in perspective, the Department of Environment (DOE) categorizes API levels between 101 and 200 as unhealthy. Prolonged exposure, even for healthy individuals, can lead to breathing discomfort. For sensitive groups, the effects may be much more severe.
The DOE has urged everyone to take precautions—limit outdoor activities, wear face masks when necessary, and don’t delay medical attention if you’re having trouble breathing or experiencing respiratory symptoms.
This situation is a sobering reminder of how fragile our environment can be—and how vital it is to stay informed and take action. For real-time updates, visit https://apims.doe.gov.my.
Let’s look out for each other. Our health begins with the air we breathe.
