Unhealthy air quality in 28 areas, down from 38 yesterday

A total of 28 areas nationwide recorded air pollutant index (API) readings at an unhealthy level as of 9.45am today.

According to the Malaysia Air Pollutant Index Management System portal, five areas in Perak recorded unhealthy readings: Tasek Ipoh (182), Seri Manjung (180), Pegoh Ipoh (160), Taiping (157) and Tanjung Malim (154).

In Penang, four areas recorded unhealthy readings – Seberang Jaya (156), Minden (156), Seberang Perai (154) and Balik Pulau (110) – while Selangor also recorded four, namely Johan Setia (157), Shah Alam (154), Banting (144) and Petaling Jaya (135).

In Kuala Lumpur, unhealthy readings were recorded in Cheras (157) and Batu Muda (155), while Putrajaya recorded a reading of 157.

Negeri Sembilan recorded unhealthy readings in Nilai (157) and Seremban (151), while Melaka had unhealthy air in three areas: Bukit Rambai (148), Bandaraya Melaka (133) and Alor Gajah (111).

In Johor, the affected areas were Batu Pahat (152) and Kluang (144), while Kedah recorded unhealthy readings in Sungai Petani (160) and Kulim Hi-Tech (132).

Three other states recorded one unhealthy area each: Kuala Terengganu (153) in Terengganu, Jerantut (152) in Pahang and Kuching (109) in Sarawak.

Thirty-two areas nationwide recorded moderate readings while eight areas recorded good readings.

An API reading of zero to 50 indicates good air quality; 51 to 100, moderate; 101 to 200, unhealthy; 201 to 300, very unhealthy; and 301 and above, hazardous.