No areas with hazardous, very unhealthy API as at 8am

The majority of the stations recorded a drop in the API readings with none in the hazardous and very unhealthy categories

KUALA LUMPUR: The overall air quality in the country has improved with the majority of the stations recording a drop in the air pollutant index (API) readings, with none in the hazardous and very unhealthy categories.

As at 8am, 18 areas in Sarawak recorded API readings in the unhealthy category, namely Sri Aman (170), Kuching (179), Samarahan (153), Sarikei (136), Sibu (127), Mukah (109), Bintulu (105), and Samalaju (103).

Yesterday, Sri Aman recorded an API reading of over 400, which is in the hazardous category.

According to the Malaysia Air Pollutant Index Management System (APIMS), the three areas in Selangor with unhealthy air quality were Shah Alam (108), Johan Setia (144), and Banting (119).

Nilai (139) and Seremban (117) in Negeri Sembilan also recorded unhealthy air quality. Other areas with unhealthy air quality were Batu Muda (133) and Cheras (142) in Kuala Lumpur, as well as Putrajaya (141).

An API reading of between zero and 50 indicates good air quality; 51 and 100, moderate; 101 and 200, unhealthy; 201 and 300, very unhealthy and 301 and above, hazardous.

For the latest information on the haze and related matters, refer to the Bernama portal at www.bernama.com.