Air quality in 25 nationwide locations degraded to unhealthy API levels, with Batu Muda in Kuala Lumpur recording the country’s worst reading at 173.
KUALA LUMPUR: Twenty-five areas nationwide remained at unhealthy air quality levels as of 4 pm today, with Batu Muda in Kuala Lumpur recording the highest Air Pollutant Index (API) reading at 173.
According to the Department of Environment’s Air Pollutant Index Management System (APIMS) portal, five areas in Selangor recorded unhealthy readings: Johan Setia (171), Shah Alam (170), Petaling Jaya (169), Klang (164) and Banting (162).
Three areas in Melaka also recorded unhealthy air quality: Bukit Rambai (166), Alor Gajah (156) and Bandaraya Melaka (156). In Negeri Sembilan, Nilai recorded 165, Seremban 161 and Port Dickson 154.
Meanwhile, in Kuala Lumpur, apart from Baru Muda, Cheras recorded 169 and Putrajaya 164.
In Johor, unhealthy readings were recorded in Larkin (159), Kluang and Pasir Gudang at 156 each, Pengerang and Kota Tinggi at 155 each, and Batu Pahat and Tangkak at 153 each.
Also affected were Paka (155) in Terengganu, and Tasek Ipoh (154), Pegoh Ipoh (151) and Tanjung Malim (114) in Perak.
A total of 35 areas recorded moderate API readings nationwide, while only eight areas had good readings.
API readings of between zero and 50 indicate good air quality, 51 to 100 moderate, 101 to 200 unhealthy, 201 to 300 very unhealthy, and readings above 300 hazardous.