Haze worsens in West Malaysia, parts of Klang Valley worst hit

The haze worsened in West Malaysia today with unhealthy air quality reported in 30 areas and parts of the Klang Valley among the worst hit.

Johan Setia in Selangor recorded the highest air pollutant index (API) reading as of 11am at 174, followed by Cheras, Kuala Lumpur (170), Shah Alam, Selangor (176) and Nilai, Negeri Sembilan (168).

Unhealthy air quality was also recorded in Batu Muda (165), Putrajaya (162), Klang (162), Petaling Jaya (161), Banting (157) and Kuala Selangor (152).

Johor was also badly affected, with API readings of 167 in Pasir Gudang, 165 in Larkin, 159 in Kota Tinggi, 153 in Pengerang, 152 in Batu Pahat and 117 in Kluang.

In Melaka, Melaka city recorded an API of 154, followed by Bukit Rambai (151), while Negeri Sembilan recorded unhealthy air quality in Seremban (159) and Port Dickson (152).

The haze also spread further on the east coast with Terengganu seeing unhealthy API readings in Kuala Terengganu (156), Kemaman (151) and Paka (142). Pahang also reported similar conditions in Kuantan (162), Indera Mahkota (161) Rompin (142) and Jerantut (117).

Kelantan was likewise hit with Kota Bharu reporting an API reading of 114.

In Perak, Tanjung Malim recorded an API of 152, followed by Seri Manjung (143).

API readings of between 0 and 50 are categorised as good, 51 to 100 as moderate, 101 to 200 as unhealthy, 201 to 300 as very unhealthy, and 301 and above as hazardous.