Kuala Lumpur tops global pollution ranking amid Southeast Asian haze

Severe haze caused by wildfires in Indonesia has significantly degraded air quality across Malaysia and Singapore. Kuala Lumpur was ranked as the world’s most polluted major city by Swiss monitor IQAir, recording an Air Quality Index (AQI) of 166. Singapore followed in third place with a reading of 155.

In Malaysia, unhealthy air quality has been reported in 30 areas. The Klang Valley and parts of Selangor, including Shah Alam and Petaling Jaya, have been heavily impacted. Other regions experiencing unhealthy levels include Johor, Melaka, Negeri Sembilan, Pahang, Terengganu, Kelantan, and Perak.

The current episode is attributed to smoke drifting from fires on the Borneo and Sumatra islands, fueled by hot, dry conditions linked to the El Nino weather phenomenon and land clearing. Residents have reported reduced visibility and health concerns, with many resorting to wearing masks and staying indoors.