Samarahan only area with very unhealthy air quality

 The Sarawak town recorded an API reading of 230, while 41 areas nationwide have unhealthy readings.

Samarahan recorded the country’s only very unhealthy API reading of 230 as of 9am today. (Bernama pic)

PETALING JAYA:

Samarahan in Sarawak was the only area in the country to record very unhealthy air quality as of 9am today, with an air pollutant index (API) reading of 230.

The Air Pollutant Index Management System portal reported unhealthy API readings in 41 areas, while 23 areas recorded moderate readings and two recorded good readings.

Sarawak remained the worst-hit state, with 11 areas recording unhealthy air quality: Sarikei and Serian (195 each), Kuching (193), Sibu (184), Mukah and Sri Aman (182 each), Samalaju (178), Bintulu (170), ILP Miri (169), Miri (166) and Limbang (148).

In Sabah, Kota Kinabalu and Kimanis recorded unhealthy readings of 153.

Nine areas in the Klang Valley also recorded unhealthy API readings. Johan Setia recorded the highest reading at 185, followed by Shah Alam (167), Batu Muda in Kuala Lumpur and Putrajaya (162 each), Cheras (160), Klang (159), Petaling Jaya and Banting (158 each), and Kuala Selangor (157).

In Negeri Sembilan, Nilai recorded 166, Seremban 164 and Port Dickson 132.

In Perak, Seri Manjung and Tanjung Malim recorded 160 each, followed by Tasek Ipoh (157), Pegoh Ipoh (152) and Taiping (147).

In Johor, Segamat recorded 158, Batu Pahat 157, Tangkak 154 and Kluang 151. In Melaka, Bukit Rambai recorded 155, Alor Gajah 154 and Bandaraya Melaka 120.

In Pahang, Temerloh recorded 152 and Jerantut 103.

An API reading of 0 to 50 indicates good air quality; 51 to 100 moderate; 101 to 200 unhealthy; 201 to 300 very unhealthy; and 300 and above hazardous. - FMT