The Selangor State Executive Council approved the activation of the National Haze Action Plan on 26 August 2026 to address rising haze and unhealthy air quality across the state [1, 2, 3].
At 8 a.m. the same day, 17 areas in six states and two Federal Territories recorded unhealthy Air Pollutant Index (API) readings, including five areas in Selangor showing particularly high levels: Johan Setia and Shah Alam at 158, Klang at 151, Banting at 144, and Petaling Jaya at 123 [1, 2, 3].
All local authorities in Selangor have been urged to intensify monitoring efforts to prevent open burning, a major contributor to the haze [1, 2, 3]. Strict enforcement under Section 29(A) of the Environmental Quality Act 1974 will target offenders. Datuk Jamaliah Jamaluddin stated, "If convicted, offenders can be fined up to RM1 million or jailed for up to five years, or both. They may also face an additional fine of up to RM5,000 a day for continuing offences after a notice has been issued" [1].
The public is encouraged to report any incidents of open burning through the Selangor DOE hotline at 1-800-88-2727 or via the DOE eAduan app [1, 2, 3]. People, especially those with respiratory conditions, are advised to limit outdoor activities unless necessary due to hazardous air quality [1, 2, 3].
Precautionary notices have been sent to schools in affected areas where API readings exceed 100. Authorities ordered that schools, kindergartens, and childcare centres must be closed if API levels reach 200, reinforcing safety measures for students. Jamaliah Jamaluddin highlighted, "Schools, kindergartens and childcare centres must be closed if API readings reach 200" [2].
Selangor state secretary Datuk Dr Ahmad Fadzli Ahmad Tajuddin will chair a State Disaster Management Committee meeting on 27 August 2026 to discuss further haze impact mitigation steps [1, 2, 3].
