PETALING JAYA: Unhealthy air quality was recorded in 19 areas across the country today, including Sabah and Sarawak which saw a return of hazy conditions.
As of 8am, the highest air pollutant index (API) reading was recorded in Pasir Gudang, Johor (180). The rest of the state was also badly hit, namely Larkin (176), Kota Tinggi (169), Pengerang (166), Batu Pahat (161), Kluang (154), Tangkak (151) and Segamat (133).
After several days of respite, parts of East Malaysia started recording unhealthy API readings again, namely Sri Aman (172), Serian (154) and Samarahan (129) in Sarawak and Tawau (154) in Sabah.
Pahang recorded unhealthy API readings of 161 in Balok Baru and 157 in Rompin, while three areas in Melaka reported similar conditions: Bukit Rambai (160), Melaka city (160) and Alor Gajah (151).
In Negeri Sembilan, the API was 154 in Seremban and 146 in Nilai.
The Klang Valley recorded moderate API readings although Putrajaya (99), Johan Setia (90) and Klang (87) were approaching the unhealthy level.
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.