Unhealthy air quality in 16 areas

Sixteen areas nationwide recorded unhealthy air pollutant index (API) readings as of 11am, with Johan Setia in Selangor reporting the highest reading of 159.

According to the environment department’s Air Pollutant Index Management System portal, Klang in Selangor and Seremban in Negeri Sembilan recorded the second-highest readings of 158 each, followed by Batu Muda in Kuala Lumpur and Nilai in Negeri Sembilan at 157 each.

Selangor recorded the highest number of areas with unhealthy API readings at five, followed by Melaka with three.

Negeri Sembilan, Kuala Lumpur and Johor recorded two areas each, while Putrajaya and Sarawak recorded one each.

In Selangor, Johan Setia had an API reading of 159, followed by Klang (158), Petaling Jaya and Shah Alam (154 each), and Banting (152).

In Negeri Sembilan, Seremban recorded a reading of 158, followed by Nilai at 157.

Batu Muda in Kuala Lumpur recorded an API reading of 157 while Cheras recorded 112. Putrajaya registered a reading of 151.

In Johor, Batu Pahat recorded a reading of 151, followed by Tangkak at 144.

In Melaka, Bukit Rambai recorded a reading of 152, followed by Melaka city at 132 and Alor Gajah at 113.

Sri Aman in Sarawak recorded an API reading of 152.

API readings of between zero 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.