Haze: Larkin, Pasir Gudang Hit Very Unhealthy API Levels This Evening

KUALA LUMPUR, Sept 16 (Bernama) -- The Air Pollutant Index (API) in Larkin and Pasir Gudang, Johor, breached the very unhealthy mark, recording a reading of 202 as at 5.30 pm today, while 27 other areas nationwide registered unhealthy air quality.

According to the Malaysian Air Pollutant Index Management System (APIMS) portal, six other areas in Johor recorded unhealthy API readings, namely Pengerang (181), Batu Pahat and Kota Tinggi (171 each), Kluang (168), Tangkak (159) and Segamat (156).

In Selangor, Johan Setia recorded the highest reading at 184, followed by Klang (176), Petaling Jaya (173), Shah Alam (168), Banting (162) and Kuala Selangor (152).

Similar unhealthy trends were observed at three stations in Negeri Sembilan: Nilai (181), Seremban (174) and Port Dickson (170), while air quality also deteriorated in Melaka, with readings in Bandaraya Melaka (180), Bukit Rambai (175) and Alor Gajah (169).

In the capital, Batu Muda and Cheras both recorded an API of 163, while Putrajaya registered 170.

Unhealthy air quality was also reported in Perak at Seri Manjung (160) and Tanjung Malim (158); in Pahang at Temerloh (139) and Rompin (103); and in Sabah at Tawau (153) and Sandakan (107).

Across the country, 27 areas recorded moderate API readings, and only one station - Sarikei in Sarawak - recorded good air quality with a reading of 50.

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

-- BERNAMA