Haze: 19 areas nationwide record unhealthy API readings

KUALA LUMPUR: Nineteen areas nationwide recorded unhealthy Air Pollutant Index (API) readings as of 8am today, with Pasir Gudang in Johor recording the highest reading at 180.

Johor was the worst-affected state, with eight areas recording unhealthy readings, according to the Department of Environment's (DoE) Air Pollutant Index Management System.

The other affected areas in Johor were Larkin (176), Kota Tinggi (169), Pengerang (166), Batu Pahat (161), Kluang (154), Tangkak (151) and Segamat (133).

In Sarawak, Sri Aman recorded an API reading of 172, followed by Serian (154) and Samarahan (129).

In Pahang, unhealthy readings were recorded in Balok Baru, Kuantan (161) and Rompin (157).

In Melaka, Bukit Rambai and Bandaraya Melaka each recorded 160, while Alor Gajah registered 151.

In Negri Sembilan, Seremban recorded 154 and Nilai 146, while Tawau in Sabah recorded 154.

Putrajaya recorded the highest moderate reading at 99, followed by Kemaman, Terengganu (98) and Kapit, Sarawak (97).

In the Klang Valley, Johan Setia recorded 90, Klang 87, Batu Muda 82, Cheras 81 and Shah Alam 81.

Four areas recorded good air quality: Taiping, Perak (49); Balik Pulau, Penang (43); Jerantut, Pahang (36); and Langkawi, Kedah (27).

Education Minister Datuk Seri Fadhlina Sidek said yesterday that schools in Johor, Melaka, Negri Sembilan and Putrajaya would be closed today due to the haze.

An API reading of zero to 50 is categorised as good, 51 to 100 as moderate, 101 to 200 as unhealthy, 201 to 300 as very unhealthy and above 300 as hazardous.