Haze: 27 areas record unhealthy API readings, Johan Setia highest at 173

KUALA LUMPUR: Unhealthy Air Pollutant Index (API) readings were recorded in 27 areas nationwide as of 8am today, with Johan Setia in Selangor logging the highest level at 173.

Nilai in Negri Sembilan followed at 169, while Bukit Rambai in Melaka recorded 168.

According to the Department of Environment's Air Pollutant Index Management System, Johor had the highest number of areas in the unhealthy category at seven: Pasir Gudang (164), Tangkak (164), Batu Pahat (159), Kota Tinggi (158), Kluang (155), Larkin (153), and Pengerang (147).

All three monitoring stations in Melaka recorded unhealthy readings, with Alor Gajah at 165 and Bandaraya Melaka at 164.

In Negri Sembilan, Seremban recorded 165 and Port Dickson 153.

In Selangor, Petaling Jaya recorded 160, followed by Klang (158), Banting (156), and Shah Alam (155).

In the Federal Territories, Batu Muda in Kuala Lumpur recorded 162, while Cheras and Putrajaya each registered 155.

In Pahang, Rompin recorded 158, and Indera Mahkota, Kuantan, 139.

In Sarawak, Kuching and the Serian district police headquarters each recorded 153, while Samarahan registered 138.

In Perak, Seri Manjung recorded 108.

Meanwhile, Segamat in Johor recorded the highest moderate reading at 99, followed by Tawau in Sabah at 98.

Only three areas recorded good air quality: Tanah Merah (50) and Kota Bharu (50) in Kelantan, and Limbang (47) in Sarawak.

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 above 300 hazardous.