KUALA LUMPUR (Oct 14): A total of 27 areas nationwide recorded unhealthy air pollutant index (API) readings as of 9am on Wednesday, with Pasir Gudang, Johor, registering the highest at 177.

According to the Department of Environment's Malaysia Air Pollutant Index Management System (APIMS) portal, besides Pasir Gudang, Kota Tinggi recorded an API reading of 166, followed by Larkin (164), Pengerang (162), Batu Pahat (154), Kluang (152) and Tangkak (151).

In Negeri Sembilan, Nilai recorded 174, Port Dickson (165) and Seremban (160), while several areas in Selangor were also affected, namely Klang (173), Johan Setia (173), Banting (160), Shah Alam (159) and Petaling Jaya (154).

In Melaka, Bukit Rambai (169), Bandaraya Melaka (164) and Alor Gajah (156) recorded unhealthy API readings, while in Kuala Lumpur, it was Cheras (168) and Batu Muda (164).

Other areas that also recorded unhealthy readings were: Putrajaya (165); Kemaman (156) and Paka (155) in Terengganu; Indera Mahkota, Kuantan (155) and Rompin (153) in Pahang; and IPD Serian (153) and Sri Aman (134) in Sarawak.

A total of 41 areas recorded moderate API readings, while one area recorded a good reading.

API readings of zero to 50 indicate good air quality, followed by 51 to 100 being moderate, 101 to 200 unhealthy, 201 to 300 very unhealthy, and readings above 300 hazardous.

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