37 areas record unhealthy API readings as haze persists

KUALA LUMPUR: Haze continued to affect several parts of the country today, with 37 air-quality monitoring stations recording unhealthy Air Pollutant Index (API) readings as at 8am.

Based on data from the Environment Department's Air Pollutant Index Management System (APIMS), 30 monitoring stations recorded moderate API readings, while none were classified as having good air quality.

The highest API reading was recorded at the Serian district police headquarters in Sarawak, which registered an API of 188, followed by Johan Setia (183), Pasir Gudang (174), Larkin (169), Cheras (167), Shah Alam and Nilai (166); and Putrajaya, Kota Tinggi and Tangkak (165).

Seremban recorded an API of 164, followed by Pengerang and Samarahan (163), Balok Baru, Kuantan (161), and Batu Muda and Klang (160).

Petaling Jaya, Batu Pahat and Indera Mahkota recorded 159 reading each.

In addition, 18 other locations recorded unhealthy API readings, including Tanjung Malim, Banting and Alor Gajah at 157 each; Kemaman (156); Bukit Rambai and Paka (155); Seri Manjung, Kuala Selangor, Temerloh, Jerantut and Kuching (154); Kuala Terengganu (153); Rompin and Kluang (151); Port Dickson (131); Tasek Ipoh (129); Balik Pulau (124) and Minden (103).

API readings between 0 and 50 are classified as good, 51 to 100 as moderate, 101 to 200 as unhealthy, 201 to 300 as very unhealthy, while readings above 300 are considered hazardous.