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SCHOOLS, kindergartens and childcare centres should be closed immediately when the Air Pollutant Index (API) exceeds 200, the Department of Environment (DOE) said today.
DOE deputy director-general (Development) Azuri Azizah Saedon said education and childcare facilities should continuously monitor API readings and prepare for closure when pollution levels approach the threshold.
"If the reading trend shows an increase towards 200, preparations should be made early to close the affected schools, kindergartens and childcare centres," she said in a statement.
She said outdoor activities should also be suspended when the API exceeds 100.
Azuri Azizah said the measures were in line with the National Haze Action Plan, implemented jointly with relevant ministries and agencies to manage haze situations.
"The DOE, through the National Haze Action Plan, continuously monitors air quality and the measures taken are in accordance with the plan.
"At the same time, the National Disaster Management Agency (NADMA) will activate the Disaster Management Committee at district, state or federal level when the API exceeds 150 for more than 24 hours," she said.
Cloud-seeding operations will also be carried out, subject to suitable cloud cover and weather conditions, when the API remains above 150 for more than 24 hours.
Azuri Azizah said the DOE and agencies involved in haze management would continue to respond swiftly in accordance with measures set out under the National Haze Action Plan.
The DOE classifies API readings of zero to 50 as good, 51 to 100 as moderate, 101 to 200 as unhealthy, 201 to 300 as very unhealthy, and readings above 300 as hazardous.
As of 12.30pm today, DOE data from the Malaysian Air Pollutant Index Management System (APIMS) showed Serian recording an API of 412, while Samarahan and Kuching registered 332 and 304 respectively.
Sri Aman recorded a very unhealthy reading of 228.
Several other areas were also classified as having unhealthy air quality, with Sarikei recording an API of 197, followed by Sibu at 190, Bintulu (183), Mukah (176), Samalaju (175), Kapit (161), Miri (159) and ILP Miri (156).
Under Malaysia's air quality classification, API readings between 201 and 300 are considered very unhealthy, while readings above 300 are classified as hazardous.
The DOE is continuing to monitor air quality through APIMS as haze conditions evolve.
The worsening air quality poses increased health risks, particularly to vulnerable groups such as children, the elderly and people with respiratory problems, who are advised to take appropriate precautions and limit exposure to polluted air. - August 30, 2026
