PETALING JAYA: A total of 22 areas recorded unhealthy air quality as of 10am today, with the southern region of the peninsula the most badly affected.
The highest air pollutant index (API) readings were recorded in Seremban and Larkin (Johor), at 170 each.
In Negeri Sembilan, other places affected were Nilai (167) and Port Dickson (152). Other parts of Johor also recorded unhealthy air quality, namely Pasir Gudang (164), Batu Pahat (163), Tangkak (162), Kluang (159), Pengerang (157), Segamat (155) and Kota Tinggi (115).
Melaka reported similar conditions in Melaka city (164), Bukit Rambai (162) and Alor Gajah (157).
Most parts of the Klang Valley continued to struggle with haze, with the API at 161 in Batu Muda (Sentul), 151 in Cheras and Putrajaya, 117 in Petaling Jaya and 107 in Klang.
Moderate API readings were meanwhile recorded in Banting (98), Johan Setia near Klang (98), Shah Alam (96) and Kuala Selangor (74).
Parts of Sarawak near the border with Kalimantan, Indonesia, also reported unhealthy air quality: Serian (155), Sri Aman (153), and Kapit (152).
API readings of between zero and 50 are categorised as good, 51 to 100 as moderate, 101 to 200 as unhealthy, 201 to 300 as very unhealthy, and 301 and above as hazardous.