No unhealthy API readings as monsoon winds to cut transboundary haze, improve air quality, says DOE

Air quality is expected to improve further amid increasingly humid conditions and more frequent rainfall in several areas, as well as a downgrade in regional haze alert levels by the Asean Specialised Meteorological Centre. — Picture by Choo Choy May

First Published: Monday, 02 Nov 2026 5:25 PM MYT

KUALA LUMPUR, Nov 2 — Air quality is expected to improve further amid increasingly humid conditions and more frequent rainfall in several areas, as well as a downgrade in regional haze alert levels by the Asean Specialised Meteorological Centre (ASMC).

Department of Environment (DOE) Deputy Director-General (Development) Azuri Azizah Saedon said that although fire hotspots were still being detected in several parts of Southeast Asia, changing wind patterns associated with the monsoon transition and the onset of the Northeast Monsoon (NEM) were expected to help reduce transboundary haze entering Malaysia.

She said winds that typically blow from the northeast towards the southwest could potentially reduce the influx of smoke from Sumatra into Peninsular Malaysia.

Azuri Azizah said the DOE’s latest monitoring showed that air quality in most parts of Malaysia was improving.

“As of today, no monitoring stations have recorded an Air Pollutant Index (API) reading at the unhealthy level or higher. However, the DOE will continue to monitor the country’s air quality closely,” she told Bernama.

According to the Malaysian Air Pollutant Index Management System (APIMS) portal, 39 areas nationwide recorded moderate API readings as of 3pm today, while 29 areas recorded good air quality.

Meanwhile, Azuri Azizah advised the public to remain alert to API readings in their respective areas and follow advice issued by the authorities. — Bernama