The air pollutant index (API) in 22 areas natiowide recorded a moderate reading as at 5pm today.

According to the Department of Environment (DOE), the areas included Sri Aman which recorded an API reading of 84 and Samarahan in Sarawak (76), Bakar Arang, Sungai Petani in Kedah (65) and Kampung Air Putih in Taiping (64).

In Penang, Perai recording an API of 62 and Seberang Jaya 2 (58), Port Klang (56) and Banting (53) in Selangor (53) and Nilai in Seremban (52).

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.  

Members of the public can refer to the DOE portal at http://www. doe.gov.my to find out the API reading for their areas.

- Bernama