Several areas in the federal capital are once again covered by smog, with the Cheras area recording an unhealthy Air Pollutants Index (API) reading at 4pm today.

According to the Department of Environment’s website, Cheras recorded a hike in the API, from moderate (62) earlier to unhealthy (110) at 4pm.

Meanwhile, 16 other areas nationwide recorded moderate API readings with several areas in excess of 70 since afternoon, namely, Nilai (81) and Putrajaya (82).

Other areas recording moderate API were Larkin lama, Johor Baru (51), Tanah Merah, Kelantan (58), City of Malacca (57), Bukit Rambai, Malacca (57), SK Jalan Pegoh, Perak (62), Banting (64), Port Klang (66), Petaling Jaya (63), Shah Alam (60) and Batu Muda (61).

An API reading between 0 and 50 is categorised as good, 51 to 100 (moderate), 101 to 200 (unhealthy), 201 to 300 (very unhealthy) and 300 upwards as hazardous.

- Bernama