Air Quality Drops: 33 Areas Nationwide Record Unhealthy API Readings

KUALA LUMPUR, Sept 18 (Bernama) -- Thirty-three areas across the country woke to unhealthy air this morning, with the Air Pollutant Index (API) crossing into unhealthy territory in several states as of 9 am.

According to the Malaysian Air Pollutant Index Management System (APIMS) portal, Selangor accounted for six of them, led by Johan Setia, which recorded the highest reading at 196, nearing the very unhealthy threshold.

It was followed by Shah Alam (171), Banting (166), Petaling Jaya (163), Klang (160) and Kuala Selangor (143).

Sarawak logged nine unhealthy areas: Kuching (191), Samarahan (183), IPD Serian (178), Sibu (160), Sarikei (159), Bintulu (155), Sri Aman (153) and Mukah (124).

In Johor, five areas were affected: Tangkak (160), Segamat (158), Batu Pahat (155), Kluang (152) and Larkin (128).

Negeri Sembilan recorded three unhealthy readings: Nilai (181), Seremban (171) and Port Dickson (159). In Pahang, only Temerloh (151) was affected.

Three areas in Melaka also recorded unhealthy API readings: Alor Gajah (164), Bukit Rambai (161) and Bandaraya Melaka (152)

In Perak, unhealthy readings were logged at Seri Manjung (175), Tasek Ipoh (171), Tanjung Malim (153) and Pegoh Ipoh (152).

Cheras, Kuala Lumpur (166), Batu Muda, Kuala Lumpur (165) and Putrajaya (174) were also affected.

Meanwhile, another 33 areas nationwide recorded moderate API readings.

An API reading of 0 to 50 indicates good air quality, 51 to 100 moderate, 101 to 200 unhealthy, 201 to 300 very unhealthy, and 301 and above hazardous.

-- BERNAMA