A total of 27 areas recorded unhealthy Air Pollutant Index (API) readings, with the highest at 142 recorded in Bakar Arang in Sungai Petani, Kedah, as at 10pm tonight.

According to the Department of Environment portal, other areas with unhealthy API readings were Alor Setar (121) and Langkawi (124) in Kedah; Kota Tinggi in Johor (110); SMK Tanjung Chat (115) and Tanah Merah (100) in Kelantan; Bukit Rambai in Malacca (103); and Nilai (105) and Seremban (102) in Negri Sembilan.

In Perak, Tanjung Malim (105), Kg. Air Putih (107), SK Jalan Pegoh, Ipoh (115), and Seri Manjung (124) recorded unhealthy readings.

Perlis' reading is 122, while Perai (122), Seberang Jaya 2 (141), and USM (132) in Penang also recorded unhealthy readings.

In Sarawak, unhealthy API readings were recorded in Samarahan (101) and Sri Aman (107), while in Selangor, Banting (108), Kuala Selangor (128), Port Klang (126), Petaling Jaya (107). and Shah Alam (119) were on the list.

In the Federal Territories, unhealthy air quality was recorded at Batu Muda (106) Kuala Lumpur, and Putrajaya (107).

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 above 300, hazardous.

- Bernama