Malaysia Haze Status: How to Check Real-Time Air Quality
I cannot provide real-time haze data—my knowledge cuts off February 2022. Haze conditions change daily during burning season (typically June–October). Here's how to get live, authoritative information.
Official Sources
- Department of Environment (DOE) Malaysia: doe.gov.my — APIMS (Air Pollutant Index Management System) with hourly API readings by station.
- MyIPU (Integrated Public Alert System): myipu.doe.gov.my — SMS/email alerts for hazardous levels.
- MET Malaysia (Meteorological Dept): met.gov.my — Weather, wind, hotspot maps.
Real-Time Apps & Sites
- IQAir / AirVisual: Global AQI, station-level, forecasts, health advice.
- Windy.com: PM2.5, CO, fire hotspots (FIRMS), wind animation.
- Haze@SG / Haze@MY (community apps): Crowdsourced + official feeds.
Understanding API (Air Pollutant Index)
| API Range | Status | Health Advisory |
|---|
| 0–50 | Good | None |
| 51–100 | Moderate | Sensitive groups: limit prolonged exertion |
| 101–200 | Unhealthy | Everyone: reduce prolonged exertion; sensitive: avoid |
| 201–300 | Very Unhealthy | Everyone: avoid prolonged exertion; sensitive: stay indoors |
| >300 | Hazardous | Everyone: avoid outdoor activity; stay indoors, use purifiers |
Typical Haze Drivers
- Peat/forest fires in Sumatra & Kalimantan (Indonesia) — SW monsoon (Jun–Oct) carries smoke.
- Local open burning, peat fires in Pahang, Selangor, Johor.
- El Niño years = drier = worse haze (2015, 2019 severe).
Protective Actions
- N95/KN95 masks (surgical masks don't filter PM2.5).
- Air purifiers (HEPA) indoors; seal windows.
- Hydrate; limit outdoor exercise when API >100.
- Monitor children, elderly, respiratory/cardiac conditions.
Bookmark DOE APIMS. Check before outdoor plans. Haze is transboundary—Malaysia monitors, but source control requires ASEAN cooperation (Transboundary Haze Pollution Agreement, 2002—implementation uneven).
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