Haze 2026 in Malaysia & Singapore: API Levels, School Closures & How to Protect Your Family
This guide contains affiliate links. We may earn a small commission if you book through them, at no extra cost to you. Details.
In this guide
The haze is back, and it’s bad. On 8 October 2026, 38 of Malaysia’s 68 air quality stations recorded unhealthy API readings, and Johor shut all 1,198 of its schools. If you’ve woken up to grey skies, a scratchy throat or itchy eyes, you’re not alone.
This guide covers the latest news, what the API numbers mean for your family, and the haze survival kit you should have at home before the readings climb further.
What the API numbers mean
Malaysia uses the Air Pollutant Index (API). Singapore uses the Pollutant Standards Index (PSI). Both use the same bands:
| Reading | Status | What to do |
|---|---|---|
| 0–50 | 🟢 Good | Normal activities |
| 51–100 | 🟡 Moderate | Sensitive groups should limit long outdoor activity |
| 101–200 | 🟠 Unhealthy | Reduce outdoor activity and wear an N95 outdoors |
| 201–300 | 🔴 Very unhealthy | Stay indoors as much as possible and run an air purifier |
| 300+ | 🟣 Hazardous | Avoid going outside, especially the elderly, children and pregnant women |
Check live readings: Malaysia: APIMS (Department of Environment) or the MyIPU app. Singapore: haze.gov.sg or the myENV app.
Who is most at risk?
- 👶 Children, who breathe faster and take in more polluted air for their size
- 👵 Elderly people, and anyone with heart or lung conditions
- 🤰 Pregnant women
- 🫁 People with asthma, whose attacks can be triggered by haze
Your haze survival kit (get it before stock runs out)
When the haze peaks, N95 masks and air purifier filters sell out fast, and both local shops and online stores run low. The smart move is to stock up now, while prices are still normal.
1. N95 / KN95 masks: your first line of defence
Surgical masks don’t seal properly against the tiny PM2.5 particles in haze. N95 or KN95 masks with a snug fit are what you actually need outdoors.
N95 / KN95 masks (adult box)
Filters at least 95% of fine particles. Choose one with a nose clip for a proper seal. Buy a box, not a few.
View on Shopee →Kids' N95 / KN95 masks
Adult masks don't seal on small faces. Kids need properly sized masks for school runs and outings.
View on Shopee →2. HEPA air purifier: clean air at home
You’ll spend most of the haze season indoors, so make that air clean. A true HEPA air purifier in the bedroom is the single biggest upgrade for kids, elderly parents or anyone with asthma.
HEPA air purifier (bedroom size)
Look for 'True HEPA (H13)' and a CADR suited to your room size. Run it with doors and windows closed.
View on Shopee →Replacement HEPA filters
Filters clog quickly in heavy haze. Keep a spare, because they're often the first thing to sell out.
View on Shopee →3. Soothe eyes, nose and throat
Lubricating eye drops
Relieves dry, itchy and red eyes from haze. Choose a preservative-free formula for frequent use.
View on Shopee →Saline nasal spray
Gently rinses particles from your nose and eases congestion. Safe for daily use.
View on Shopee →10 practical tips to get through the haze
- Check the API every morning before planning school runs, exercise or outings.
- Keep doors and windows closed and seal gaps with tape or towels if needed.
- Run the air-con on recirculate at home and in the car, and replace an old car cabin filter.
- Wear an N95 outdoors, with a proper fit and no gaps around the nose.
- Move your workouts indoors. Running in haze means breathing in far more particles. Here’s where to train indoors in KL during the haze.
- Drink more water to soothe your throat and eyes.
- Don’t smoke or burn anything indoors, including candles and incense.
- Prepare for home-based learning: devices charged, Wi-Fi working and a quiet study space.
- Keep asthma medication within reach and make sure inhalers haven’t expired.
- Look out for elderly neighbours and relatives, who may not be checking the news.
Sources
- Schools to close if API exceeds 180, or remains above 150 for 3 days (The Star, 8 Oct 2026)
- Haze persists as 38 areas record unhealthy API, Segamat highest at 187 (Malay Mail, 8 Oct 2026)
- All Johor schools to close for two days by Regent’s decree (Malay Mail, 7 Oct 2026)
- King calls for schools to close if API stays above 150–180 (Malay Mail, 8 Oct 2026)
We’ll keep this page updated as the haze situation changes. Last updated 8 October 2026.
Frequently asked questions
When do schools close because of haze in Malaysia?
Under the Education Ministry rule announced on 8 October 2026, schools must close in areas where the API exceeds 180, or stays above 150 for three consecutive days. Affected schools switch to home-based learning.
What API level is unhealthy?
In Malaysia, an API of 101–200 is unhealthy, 201–300 is very unhealthy and above 300 is hazardous. Singapore's PSI uses the same bands.
Do surgical masks protect against haze?
Not well. Haze particles (PM2.5) are tiny. A properly fitted N95 or KN95 mask filters far more of them than a surgical or cloth mask.
Where can I check the API today?
In Malaysia, use the Department of Environment's APIMS website or the MyIPU app. In Singapore, check haze.gov.sg or the NEA app for PSI and PM2.5 readings.
