KUALA LUMPUR (Oct 21): Twenty-two areas nationwide recorded unhealthy air pollutant index (API) readings as of 9am on Wednesday, with Bukit Rambai in Melaka recording the highest reading of 174.

According to the Department of Environment’s Air Pollutant Index Management System (APIMS) portal, two other areas in Melaka also recorded unhealthy API readings, namely Melaka City (161) and Alor Gajah (158).

Three areas in Negeri Sembilan also recorded unhealthy API readings, namely Nilai (161), Seremban (158) and Port Dickson (155).

Five areas in Selangor also recorded unhealthy air quality readings, namely Johan Setia (160), Klang and Banting (159 each), Shah Alam (158) and Petaling Jaya (157).

In Kuala Lumpur, two areas recorded unhealthy API readings — Cheras (159) and Batu Muda (158) — while Putrajaya recorded a reading of 158.

Meanwhile, seven areas in Johor recorded unhealthy API readings, namely Batu Pahat (156), Larkin (155), Pasir Gudang and Tangkak (152 each), Kluang (151), Segamat (133) and Kota Tinggi (113). Paka in Terengganu also recorded an unhealthy reading of 153.

A total of 39 areas nationwide recorded moderate API readings, while only seven areas recorded readings in the good category.

API readings of zero to 50 indicate good air quality, 51 to 100 moderate, 101 to 200 unhealthy, and 201 to 300 very unhealthy, while readings above 300 are classified as hazardous.

Uploaded by Tham Yek Lee