Immunity
Haze in Malaysia 2026: 5 Common Symptoms, API Levels & How to Protect Yourself
Haze can irritate the eyes, nose, throat and lungs, and may also cause headache, tiredness or a general feeling of being unwell. Fine particles in haze, especially PM2.5, can travel deep into the lungs. Check your local Air Pollutant Index (API), reduce outdoor exposure when air quality worsens, and follow your usual treatment plan if you have asthma or another chronic condition. [1, 2, 4, 5, 7]
As a point-in-time snapshot, at 4:00 pm on 6 September 2026, no area in Malaysia recorded a hazardous Air Pollutant Index (API) reading due to haze. Sri Aman in Sarawak recorded 216 and was the only area in the very unhealthy range. APIMS reported unhealthy readings in 35 other areas nationwide, moderate readings in 27 areas and good readings in four areas. [9]
API readings change hourly. Before exercising outdoors, travelling or planning activities for children, older adults or people with chronic diseases, check the latest reading for your area through the Department of Environment’s APIMS system. [7]
Haze is a mixture of airborne particles and gases. Smoke from vegetation and forest fires can contain fine particulate matter, including PM2.5, which measures 2.5 micrometres or less in diameter. These particles are small enough to travel deep into the respiratory system. Haze exposure has been associated with irritation of the eyes and airways and with worsening respiratory problems, particularly asthma. [1, 2, 4]
Children, older adults, pregnant women, outdoor workers, smokers and people with asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), heart disease or other chronic health conditions may be more vulnerable when air pollution worsens. [4, 5]
What does the Air Pollutant Index (API) mean in Malaysia?
Malaysia’s API is used to communicate the overall level of air pollution. A higher number means poorer air quality and a greater need to reduce exposure. [5, 7]
| API reading | Air quality | What it means for you |
|---|---|---|
| 0-50 | Good | Usual activities can generally continue. |
| 51-100 | Moderate | Air quality is acceptable for most people. People who are particularly sensitive should monitor symptoms. |
| 101-200 | Unhealthy | Reduce prolonged or strenuous outdoor activity. People at higher risk should limit unnecessary outdoor exposure. |
| 201-300 | Very unhealthy | Avoid strenuous outdoor activity and reduce outdoor exposure as much as possible. |
| 301-500 | Hazardous | Minimise outdoor exposure and follow official health and emergency advice. |
| Above 500 | Hazardous | Air pollution is extremely severe. Follow instructions from the relevant authorities and avoid outdoor exposure whenever possible. |
What are the 5 common haze symptoms?
Eye irritation, tearing or stinging
Haze can irritate the surface of the eyes, causing stinging, redness, itching or watery eyes. Contact lenses may feel more uncomfortable during hazy conditions. [1, 3, 4]
- Reduce unnecessary outdoor exposure.
- Avoid rubbing irritated eyes.
- Consider glasses instead of contact lenses if contacts worsen irritation.
- Ask a pharmacist about suitable lubricating or artificial-tear eye drops.
- Seek care for severe pain, blurred vision or persistent symptoms.
Runny nose, blocked nose or sneezing
Fine particles and other pollutants can irritate the nose and upper airways. This can trigger a runny or blocked nose, sneezing and increased mucus, especially in people with allergies or sensitive airways. [1, 4]
- Spend less time outdoors when API readings are high.
- Continue prescribed medicines as directed.
- Ask a pharmacist about suitable symptom-relief options.
- See a doctor if symptoms are severe or persistent.
Cough, dry throat or throat irritation
Throat discomfort and coughing are among the commonly reported effects of haze exposure. Fine particles and irritating pollutants can affect the lining of the throat and respiratory tract. [1, 2, 4]
- Reduce exposure to polluted outdoor air.
- Drink enough fluids unless your doctor has advised fluid restriction.
- Avoid smoking and second-hand smoke.
- Ask a pharmacist about suitable lozenges, throat products or cough medicines.
- Seek medical advice if symptoms persist or worsen.
Chest tightness or difficulty breathing
Haze can worsen respiratory conditions such as asthma and COPD. Chest tightness, wheezing or breathlessness deserves more attention than mild irritation of the eyes or throat. [1, 2, 4]
If you have asthma or another chronic respiratory condition, continue your prescribed medicines and follow your personal action plan.
Seek urgent medical attention if breathing becomes significantly difficult, chest tightness is severe, prescribed treatment is not helping, or you develop chest pain.
Headache, tiredness or feeling unwell
Headache, dizziness, fatigue and general discomfort can occur during periods of haze exposure. These symptoms are not specific to haze, so persistent or severe symptoms should not automatically be blamed on air pollution. [1, 4]
- Rest and reduce exposure to polluted outdoor air.
- Stay adequately hydrated.
- Avoid strenuous outdoor exercise when API is high.
- Ask a pharmacist if you need advice about mild symptom relief.
- Seek care for severe, unusual or persistent symptoms.
How can you reduce exposure during haze?
- Check the API before planning outdoor activities. Readings can change throughout the day.
- Reduce strenuous outdoor exercise when API exceeds 100. Move exercise indoors where possible.
- Stay indoors more when air quality is poor, especially if you are in a higher-risk group.
- Keep windows closed when outdoor air is heavily polluted. When driving, use air-conditioning recirculation mode.
- Avoid smoking and second-hand smoke. Smoke adds another source of respiratory irritation and particles.
- Continue prescribed medicines for chronic conditions and seek care promptly if your condition worsens.
Not sure which face mask is suitable for haze? This article focuses on haze symptoms and reducing exposure. For a detailed comparison of N95, KN95, KF94 and 3-ply masks, read Face Mask for Haze: N95, KN95, KF94 or 3-Ply? .
Need a face mask? Browse medical face masks available from the CARiNG Pharmacy eStore. Check the individual product type, certification and fit before choosing a mask for haze protection.
When should you see a doctor during haze?
Seek medical advice promptly if haze exposure is associated with:
- Significant or worsening shortness of breath
- Persistent wheezing or chest tightness
- Chest pain
- An asthma or COPD flare that is not responding to your usual treatment
- Persistent fever or worsening respiratory symptoms
- Severe eye pain or changes in vision
- Symptoms that continue despite reducing haze exposure
Speak with a CARiNG pharmacist
If haze is causing eye, nose, throat or other mild symptoms, a CARiNG pharmacist can help you understand suitable symptom-relief options and how to use them safely.
If you have breathing difficulty, chest pain or worsening asthma or COPD symptoms, seek medical care rather than relying on over-the-counter treatment.
Useful resources
- Department of Environment Malaysia – APIMS – Check current Air Pollutant Index readings across Malaysia.
- Ministry of Health Malaysia – Panduan Kesihatan untuk Anda – Official guidance on haze symptoms, higher-risk groups and ways to reduce exposure.
- Ministry of Health Malaysia – Health Advisory for Workplaces During Haze – Guidance on reducing exposure and outdoor activity as API levels rise.
- World Health Organization – Air Pollution: Personal Interventions – Guidance on reducing personal exposure to air pollution.
Medical disclaimer: This article is for general health education and is not a substitute for medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Haze can worsen respiratory and cardiovascular conditions. Seek prompt medical attention for significant breathing difficulty, chest pain, severe symptoms or deterioration of an existing medical condition.
Frequently asked questions about haze in Malaysia
What API level is unhealthy in Malaysia?
Should I exercise outdoors when the API is above 100?
Can haze cause a sore throat and cough?
Can haze cause headache or fever?
Haze exposure can be associated with headache, dizziness and tiredness. Fever, however, is not considered a typical direct effect of haze exposure. If you develop a fever, especially if it is persistent or occurs with worsening cough, breathing difficulty or other signs of illness, do not assume that haze is the cause. Seek medical advice if you are concerned. [4]
Can haze make asthma worse?
Who is more vulnerable to haze?
Where can I check Malaysia’s current API?
Check the Department of Environment’s APIMS system for the latest hourly Air Pollutant Index reading in your area. [7] Check Malaysia’s current API.
View references 9 sources
- CARiNG Pharmacy. 5 Common Haze Symptoms & How To Beat It. Original CARiNG source article used for this update. Source
- Ramakreshnan L, Aghamohammadi N, Fong CS, Bulgiba A, Ahmad Zaki R, Wong LP, Sulaiman NM. Haze and health impacts in ASEAN countries: a systematic review. Environmental Science and Pollution Research. 2018;25(3):2096-2111. doi:10.1007/s11356-017-0860-y. Source
- Lim WK / Eagle Eye Centre. Haze and your eyes. Updated 26 September 2024. Source
- Ministry of Health Malaysia. Health Advisory For Workplaces During Haze. Updated 29 September 2025. Source
- Ministry of Health Malaysia. Panduan Kesihatan untuk Anda. Updated 29 September 2025. Source
- Ministry of Health Malaysia. Usage Of Personal Protection During Haze. Updated 29 September 2025. Source
- Department of Environment Malaysia. Air Pollutant Index (API) / Air Pollutant Index Management System. Source
- World Health Organization. Air pollution: Personal interventions and risk communication. Source
- BERNAMA. Haze: Sri Aman Only Area With Very Unhealthy API Reading Of 216 As Of 4pm. 6 September 2026. Source
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