The air quality in 16 places in the country was moderate as of noon compared to 32 other places where it was good, according to the Department of Environment (DOE).

The DOE reported on its website that the areas with a moderate Air Pollutant Index (API) reading were Bukit Rambai (59) in Malacca; Nilai (69), Port Dickson (57) and Seremban (53) in Negri Sembilan; Balok Baru, Kuantan (51) in Pahang; Jalan Tasek, Ipoh (55) and SK Jalan Pegoh (62) in Perak; Kangar (51).

Banting (62), Kuala Selangor (56), Port Klang (65), Petaling Jaya (57) and Shah Alam (59) in Selangor; Batu Muda (62) and Cheras (51) in Kuala Lumpur and Putrajaya (51).

An API reading of between zero and 50 indicates good air quality; between 51 and 100, moderate; between 101 and 200, unhealthy; between 201 and 300, very unhealthy and over 301, hazardous.

The public can check on the API reading for their areas at the DOE portal at http://apims.doe.gov.my .

- Bernama