Haze is back in the Klang Valley: how to protect your family when the API climbs

What is happening now

At 9am on 8 October 2026, 38 of Malaysia’s 68 air-quality monitoring stations recorded an unhealthy Air Pollutant Index (API) reading, between 101 and 200. Every station in Selangor was in that range: Johan Setia (178), Shah Alam (170), Banting (167), Klang (166), Petaling Jaya (165) and Kuala Selangor (155). In and around Kuala Lumpur, Putrajaya read 173, Cheras 172 and Batu Muda 168.

The Department of Environment has linked the haze to fire hotspots across the Strait. On 29 September it reported 327 hotspots in Kalimantan and 191 in Sumatra. Johan Setia came close to “very unhealthy” on 18 September, reaching 198.

The ASEAN weather centre expects haze to stay elevated from October to December 2026. Rain during the inter-monsoon period may bring some relief from late October, but conditions can change quickly from day to day.

What the API numbers mean

Check the latest reading for your area on the Department of Environment’s APIMS portal before planning time outdoors.

Who is most at risk

Haze particles are small enough to reach deep into the lungs. Most healthy adults notice sore eyes, a scratchy throat or a cough. Some people are more likely to become unwell:

• Children, who breathe faster and spend more time active outdoors
• Older people, especially those with heart or lung disease
• Pregnant women
• Anyone with asthma, COPD, heart disease or diabetes

The Ministry of Health has said it expects more asthma attacks and upper respiratory infections during the haze, and has advised high-risk groups to avoid outdoor activity, drink enough water and wear a mask if they have symptoms.

Simple ways to protect your family

• Keep windows and doors closed when the API is above 100, and run the air-conditioner on recirculate.
• Use an air purifier with a HEPA filter in the room where you sleep, if you have one.
• Move exercise indoors or postpone it. Save your morning jog in the park for a clearer day.
• Drink plenty of water, which also helps with the heat.
• In the car, set the air-conditioning to recirculate.
• Keep medicines ready. If you have asthma, make sure your reliever inhaler is not expired and your action plan is up to date.

Which masks actually help?

An N95 mask (or an equivalent such as KN95) filters fine haze particles much better than a surgical mask, as long as it fits snugly around the nose and chin. A surgical mask still helps with larger particles and is better than nothing.

N95 masks may not fit young children properly, and some people with heart or lung disease find them hard to breathe through. For children, keeping them indoors on high-API days matters more than the mask. If you have a long-term heart or lung condition, ask your doctor before using an N95 for long periods.

Heat is the next challenge

MetMalaysia has put the chance of a “Super El Niño” between October and December 2026 at more than 90%, with the hottest weather expected from February to May 2027. The Ministry of Health recorded 73 heat-related illnesses and 4 deaths nationwide between 1 January and 7 July 2026.

When to see a doctor

See a GP if you have a cough, wheeze or sore throat that does not improve within a few days, if your asthma inhaler is needed more often than usual, or if a child seems unusually tired or breathless. Go to an emergency department or call 999 for severe shortness of breath, chest pain, blue lips or confusion.

Where to get checked in Kuala Lumpur

Any GP clinic can assess you and arrange tests or referrals. Our Kuala Lumpur clinic directory lists opening hours, phone numbers and directions as clinics are added.

Browse the clinic directory

Frequently asked questions