The air quality in the country has improved slightly with no areas considered ‘unhealthy’ today, according to the Air Pollution Index (API).

In contrast to yesterday where three areas were declared ‘unhealthy’ - Port Klang, Cheras and Shah Alam - the Environment Department has reported as of 5pm today, API readings across the country have fallen marginally.

haze in kl 120609 Yesterday, Port Klang recorded an air pollution index reading of 138, while in Shah Alam, the index stood at 120 and Cheras (107).

Air quality is deemed unhealthy at readings of 101 to 200, very unhealthy from 201 to 300 and hazardous if above 300.

The reading have since fallen in the three ‘unhealthy’ areas - Port Klang (89), Cheras (76) and Shah Alam (74).

According to the Environment Department , 25 of 49 areas nationwide where measurements have been taken showed ‘moderate’ air quality while 24 were considered ‘good’.

Don’t expect to breath easy yet

haze air pollution hot spot map update 13 june 130609 But Malaysians should not expected to breath easy any time soon. According to satellite images , there are 86 hot spots in Sumatra, an increase from 57 yesterday.

A combination of windy conditions, dry weather and the intensity of hot spots in Sumatra have carried dust and pollutants across the Straits to our shores.

In the past, the open burning of forests in Sumatra had been blamed for the smog in neighbouring Southeast Asian countries.

Illegal slash and burn methods to clear land for plantations in Indonesia is rampant.