The number of areas with an unhealthy Air Pollutant Index (API) has risen to nine, this afternoon.
According to the Department of Environment (DOE), as at 1pm, another new area, Kemaman, Terengganu, recorded unhealthy air quality, with a reading of 104, up from 97 at 10am.
Meanwhile, Larkin Lama in Johor recorded the highest API reading of 131, followed by Balok Baru (123) in Kuantan, Pahang.
Pasir Gudang in Johor recorded an API of 118, followed by Malacca City (117), Bukit Rambai, Malacca (113), Muar, Johor (111), Indera Mahkota, Kuantan (110) and Samarahan, Sarawak (101).
A total of 28 areas recorded moderate APIs, including Kota Tinggi, Johor, with 94, Paka in Terengganu (92) and Kuching in Sarawak (88), while Sibu and Sarikei recorded readings of 84 and 82 respectively.
Thirteen areas recorded good air quality, namely Tawau in Sabah and SK Jalan Pegoh, Ipoh (both 50), Jalan Tasek, Ipoh, and Kuala Terengganu (both 44), SMK Tanjung Chat, Kota Baru (42), Kampung Air Putih, Taiping (40), USM and Perai in Penang and Seri Manjung in Perak (all at 39), Alor Setar (36), Langkawi (30), Kangar (26) and Tanah Merah (25).
An API reading of 0 to 50 indicates good air quality; 51 to 100, moderate; 101 to 200, unhealthy; 201 to 300, very unhealthy and 300 and above, hazardous.
The public can access updates through http://apims.doe.gov.my/v2/ .
Haze in Singapore worsens
Meanwhile, the haze in Singapore continues to worsen today, hitting the ‘very unhealthy’ level despite some improvement earlier following light showers last night.
This is due to prevailing winds blowing from the south-southwest, bringing denser haze from Sumatra towards the island republic.
As at 12 noon today, the 24-hour pollutant standard index (PSI) read as 162 to 214, in the mid unhealthy and low range of very unhealthy, while the three-hour PSI was 227, according to the National Environment Agency.
The hazy condition is expected to persist today with the 24-hour PSI potentially in the mid to high sections of the very unhealthy range.
- Bernama
