Unhealthy API in 38 areas in peninsula, some near ‘very unhealthy’ level

 Johan Setia tops with API reading of 183, followed by Cheras (174), Batu Muda (170), Putrajaya (170), Nilai (170), Seremban (165) and Petaling Jaya (164).

A hazy view of the Kuala Lumpur skyline today.

KUALA LUMPUR:

A total of 38 areas in Peninsular Malaysia recorded unhealthy air pollution index (API) readings at 5pm today, with several parts of the Klang Valley nearing “very unhealthy” levels.

Unhealthy readings were recorded in six areas in Selangor — Johan Setia (183), Shah Alam (170), Petaling Jaya (164), Klang (160), Banting and Kuala Selangor (159) . Two such readings in Kuala Lumpur were in Cheras (174) and Batu Muda (170).

Putrajaya (170) as well as Nilai (170), Seremban (165) and Port Dickson (148) in Negeri Sembilan also recorded unhealthy API levels.

Up north, Seri Manjung (166), Tasek Ipoh (164) Tanjung Malim (161), Taiping (157) and Pegoh, Ipoh (153) in Perak recorded unhealthy air quality, followed by Minden (166), Balik Pulau (165), Seberang Jaya (160) and Seberang Perai (158) in Penang; and Sungai Petani (158) and Kulim Hi-Tech (155) in Kedah.

On the east coast, five areas in Pahang recorded unhealthy APIs, Temerloh (155), Jerantut (152), Indera Mahkota, Kuantan (143), Balok Baru and Kuantan (142), while there were three in Terengganu: Kuala Terengganu (162), Besut (145), Kemaman (141) and Paka (133).

Only one area in Kelantan had unhealthy air quality, namely Tanah Merah (155).

Down south, Tangkak (134), Kluang (124) and Batu Pahat (103) in Johor recorded unhealthy API readings, as well as Bukit Rambai (155), Alor Gajah (153) and Melaka city (145) in Melaka.

Some 21 other areas in the country had moderate API readings, while nine recorded good air quality, all of which were in East Malaysia. - fmt