As of 2pm today, 16 areas throughout the country still had ‘unhealthy’ Air Pollution Index (API) readings as compared to 9am.

According to the Department of Environment’s (DOE) portal, Port Klang recorded the highest reading at 139, followed by Port Dickson (127); Pasir Gudang (126); Kota Tinggi (124); Shah Alam (123); Nilai (122); Banting (121); and Bukit Rambai (120).

Also at the unhealthy level were Malacca City with a reading of 118, Batu Muda (112); Putrajaya and Seremban (both 110); Petaling Jaya (109); Kuala Selangor (107); Samarahan and Larkin Lama (both 106).

Balok Baru in Kuantan, Paka and Kemaman in Terengganu which recorded API readings at the unhealthy level this morning saw the API drop to moderate with readings of 98, 94 and 98 respectively.

Another 24 areas also showed API readings of moderate, including Sri Manjung and Seberang Jaya 2 each at 98; Cheras, Kuala Lumpur (95); Muar (90); Kampung Air Putih, Taiping (92); Jerantut (83) and Perai (82).

API readings of between 0 and 50 is considered good, 51 to 100 (moderate), 101 to 200 (unhealthy), 201 to 300 (very unhealthy) and 300 and above (dangerous).

The public can visit the portal apims.doe.gov.my for further information on API readings.

- Bernama