Haze emergency — when one is declared, and the API right now
A haze emergency is not declared automatically at any single number. This page explains the thresholds that are used, who actually makes the call, and shows the highest current API in every state so you can see how far your own area sits from that line.
Last DOE update: (MYT)
Thresholds by API reading
API above 200
Schools, tadika and taska in the affected area may be closed, at the principal's decision on the advice of the JPN and PPD. Some states also activate their State Disaster Operations Control Centre (PKOB) at this level.
API above 300
The official "Hazardous" category — the top band in the Department of Environment's API scale.
API reaching 500
The affected area is referred to NADMA at federal level for consideration of an emergency declaration under disaster-management procedure.
Who declares it
The decision does not rest with the Department of Environment, and certainly not with this site. The State Disaster Management Committee refers an area that reaches the threshold to NADMA in Kuala Lumpur, and the declaration is made federally. The 2026 haze emergency in Serian, Sarawak was declared and later ended with the consent of the Yang di-Pertuan Agong.
It covers localities, not whole states
A declaration applies only to the affected localities, not to an entire state. One district can be under an emergency while the district next to it is not.
What changes if one is declared
According to the Sarawak Deputy Premier's statement, all government and private sector offices in the affected area close, and only essential services are permitted to operate.
Highest reading by state right now
| State | Highest API | Distance from 500 | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sarawak | 192 | 308 points | Below 200 |
| Kuala Lumpur | 166 | 334 points | Below 200 |
| Johor | 153 | 347 points | Below 200 |
| Melaka | 148 | 352 points | Below 200 |
| Negeri Sembilan | 127 | 373 points | Below 200 |
| Perak | 97 | 403 points | Below 200 |
| Selangor | 96 | 404 points | Below 200 |
| Putrajaya | 93 | 407 points | Below 200 |
| Pahang | 89 | 411 points | Below 200 |
| Terengganu | 82 | 418 points | Below 200 |
| Sabah | 78 | 422 points | Below 200 |
| Kelantan | 68 | 432 points | Below 200 |
| Labuan | 66 | 434 points | Below 200 |
| Kedah | 60 | 440 points | Below 200 |
| Penang | 54 | 446 points | Below 200 |
| Perlis | 35 | 465 points | Below 200 |
This page declares nothing
We publish the Department of Environment's official readings and explain the thresholds as reported. We do not state that any area is under an emergency. Confirm with NADMA, your state government or an official announcement before acting.
Source
The 500 threshold, the NADMA referral and the office-closure consequence are as stated by Sarawak Deputy Premier Datuk Amar Douglas Uggah Embas, reported by Berita RTM (August 2026). The 200 school threshold is per Surat Pekeliling Ikhtisas Bil. 1/2019.
