As you may already know, the hot weather has been pretty bad these past few weeks. In fact, it’s expected to worsen due to the El Niño phenomenon. MetMalaysia has warned that heatwaves are becoming regular this year, with Kedah recently shutting down schools to allow children to avoid the heat.
The haze has also reappeared in Malaysia as forest fires break out in Indonesia. 2026 could be a year we need to consider whether to commute to work with a face mask, so having real-time info on air quality is important. With that said, here’s a recap (with some updates) of our guide on how to check or monitor the haze in Malaysia online.
How to check Malaysia’s API or Air Pollution Index online
Here’s how to check Malaysia’s air pollution index on a desktop or PC device:
- Go to the Department of Environment’s MyEQMS site
- Double-click on the map to find your location, or click on the target icon and allow the site to get your location
- Check the API reading of the nearest station
Moderate: 51-100, Unhealthy: 101-200, Very Unhealthy: 201-300
The MyEQMS site now seems to load best for desktops or PCs, but may have some problems loading quickly on mobile devices. If you want to know the haze situation within the region, visiting the ASEAN Specialised Meteorological Centre (ASMC) can be an alternative.
How to check Malaysia’s API or Air Pollution with your phone
Here’s how to check Malaysia’s air pollution index quickly from your phone
- Download and install the MyJAS EQMS app for Android or iOS
- Open the app and check the API reading at the nearest station
How to deal with haze
Here are some general precautions and advice on handling the haze:
- Wear a face mask that can filter fine particles, like an N95 respirator mask or surgical facemask, when outdoors
- Avoid going outdoors
- Drink lots of water and stay hydrated
- Wash your hands and face regularly
- See a doctor if your eye irritation, breathing or other haze-related affliction gets worse
Note that public institutions like schools may close if the haze or hot weather worsens. But private sector workers who work outdoors won’t have the luxury to work from home (WFH). If you’re in that category, here are some guidelines by the Department of Environment. Currently, we have moderate level of haze affecting multiple parts of Malaysia. You’re advised to wear a face masks once the API goes over 100.
How to check for heat waves
Now you know how to check for haze and some precautions on how to deal with it, but what about the heat waves? For that, you can refer to the Malaysian Meteorological Department’s (MetMalaysia) website. Here’s what you need to do:
- Go to the MetMalaysia website
- Highlight the ‘Climate’ tab on the main page
- From the menu breakdown, go to Drought and click on “Heat Wave Status”
Yellow highlights are areas where temperatures are between 37°C to 40°C
Due to global warming, each El Niño is worse than the last one. You can expect hot weather, the occasional light rain (which makes the humidity worse), and some haze to make 2026 a truly miserable year. The good news is that the government may allow civil servants to WFH. As for people working in the private sector, you’ll have to ask your bosses.
Being able to work from home during the heat waves should help prevent people from getting sick, so it should be an effective method. But if you don’t get to WFH, you’ll have to take care of yourself. Remember to check the MyEQMS website or app regularly, and please take the necessary health precautions!
How are you handling the haze and heat wave? Do you have any tips and tricks of your own? Please share them in the comments below. If you know of other helpful online resources or apps we didn’t list, feel free to share as well.
And as always, stay tuned to TechNave.com for more articles like this.
