Twenty-two areas recorded unhealthy Air Pollutant Index (API) readings as of 9am today, compared to 27 areas last night.

According to the Department of Environment’s portal, the areas were Alor Setar (167), Bakar Arang (172); Langkawi (168); SMK Tanjung Chat (123); Tanah Merah (113); Balok Baru (112) and Indera Mahkota, Kuantan (105); Jalan Tasek (117) and SK Jalan Pegoh, Ipoh (134); Kg Air Putih, Taiping (125).

Other areas with unhealthy air quality were Seri Manjung (138); Kangar (158); Perai (149); Seberang Jaya 2 (171) and USM, Pulau Pinang (161); Samarahan (104); Sri Aman (120); Kuala Selangor (128); Port Klang (116); Kemaman (114); Kuala Terengganu (105) and Paka, Terengganu (103).

Shah Alam registered moderate API reading of 99 this morning compared to 125 which indicated unhealthy air quality last night.

Other areas that recorded moderate air quality were Kota Tinggi (59); Larkin Lama (64); Muar (69); Pasir Gudang (80); Malacca City (79); Bukit Rambai (81); Nilai (82); Port Dickson (75); Seremban (76); Jerantut (97); Keningau (56); Kota Kinabalu (51); Sandakan (52); Tawau (70); Bintulu (79); ILP Miri (59); Kapit (81); Kuching (98); Limbang (51); Miri (68); Sarikei (84); Sibu (84); Banting (91); Petaling Jaya (86); Batu Muda (98) Cheras, Kuala Lumpur (78); and Putrajaya (87).

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 http://apims.doe.gov.my for updates.

- Bernama