Unhealthy air quality in parts of Selangor, KL and Putrajaya

 Banting, Johan Setia, Putrajaya and Cheras recorded unhealthy API readings, while most other areas nationwide remained at moderate levels.

Hazy conditions were reported in parts of the central region today as air quality levels dropped to ‘unhealthy’. (Bernama pic)

PETALING JAYA:

 Several areas in Selangor, Kuala Lumpur and Putrajaya recorded unhealthy air quality levels today, with readings exceeding 100 on the air pollutant index, according to the environment department.

In Selangor, Banting and Johan Setia were among the worst affected, with API readings ranging between 115 and 162.

Moderate air quality was reported in Kuala Selangor, Petaling Jaya, Shah Alam and Klang, with API readings of between 70 and 90.

In Kuala Lumpur, Cheras registered unhealthy level of 109 between 6pm and 8pm, although readings have since eased to below 90, returning to the moderate range.

Putrajaya, however, remained persistently affected, with API readings staying in the unhealthy range since 11am with readings of between 140 and 150.

The environment department’s scale lists readings of 0 to 50 as good, 51 to 100 moderate, 101 to 200 unhealthy, 201 to 300 very unhealthy, and above 300 hazardous.

Forecast data showed that Nilai’s API levels could exceed 105 up to midnight, while the rest of the day was below 100. Seremban and Port Dickson recorded readings of between 80 and 100.

Elsewhere, air quality remained largely within good or moderate levels.

Penang recorded readings below 80, while Perlis remained in the 70s. Terengganu saw mostly healthy readings below 50, with some areas in the moderate range.

Sarawak and Sabah recorded mostly healthy to moderate levels, while Kedah, including Alor Setar, Langkawi, Sungai Petani and Kulim Hi-Tech Park remained in the moderate range.

Melaka, Pahang and Perak also recorded healthy to moderate readings throughout the day. - FMT