25 areas still with unhealthy air quality

The air quality was unhealthy in 25 areas this morning as haze continued to envelop parts of the country.

Johor continued to be the worst-hit state as of 8am, with six locations occupying the top 10 places in the air pollutant index (API) readings.

Schools in Johor will remain closed for five more days from Monday because of the unhealthy air quality, executive councillor Naqib Ghazali said yesterday.

Pasir Gudang recorded the highest reading of 189, followed by Larkin (181), Kota Tinggi (180), Pengerang (178), Batu Pahat (169) and Kluang (163). Elsewhere, Tangkak had an API reading of 160, and Segamat 158.

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.

In Negeri Sembilan, Nilai had an API reading of 173, Seremban (170) and Port Dickson (153).

Bukit Rambai in Melaka recorded an API reading of 164, Alor Gajah (161) and Bandaraya Melaka (155).

The areas with unhealthy air quality in Selangor included Johan Setia (163), Shah Alam (162), Klang (160), Petaling Jaya (158) and Banting (157). Putrajaya recorded an API reading of 159, and Cheras, Kuala Lumpur, 157.

Forty-one areas nationwide had moderate air quality, and two – Limbang, Sarawak, and Balik Pulau, Penang – enjoyed good air quality.