PETALING JAYA: The haze affecting the country worsened today with 34 areas recording unhealthy air pollutant index (API) readings and parts of the Klang Valley approaching the very unhealthy level.
The highest API reading at 8am was 192, reported in both Klang and Johan Setia, Selangor. Air quality is considered very unhealthy once the API reading reaches 201.
Other parts of the Klang Valley with unhealthy air quality were Shah Alam (180), Putrajaya (176), Cheras (172), Banting (170), Petaling Jaya (169), Batu Muda (162) and Kuala Selangor (161).
Johor remained among the worst-affected states, with API readings of 188 in Larkin, 181 in Batu Pahat and Pasir Gudang, 176 in Tangkak, 171 in Pengerang, 164 in Kluang, 162 in Kota Tinggi and 161 in Segamat.
In Negeri Sembilan, unhealthy air quality was recorded in Nilai (185), Seremban (182) and Port Dickson (176) while Melaka reported similar conditions in Bukit Rambai (185), Melaka city (178) and Alor Gajah (177).
Up north, Perak recorded unhealthy API readings in Tanjung Malim (167), Seri Manjung (166) and Pegoh Ipoh (102).
In the east coast, hazy conditions were reported in Temerloh (156), Jerantut (152), Indera Mahkota (152) and Rompin (152) in Pahang; as well as in Kemaman, Terengganu (105).
Two areas in Sarawak also reported unhealthy air quality: Samarahan (153) and Serian (120).
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.