27 areas record unhealthy API as at 8pm

The number of areas recording poor Air Pollutant Index (API) readings is steadily increasing, with 27 areas having unhealthy air quality as at 8pm Saturday.

According to the Department of Environment website, the areas with the worst air quality, with an API of above 180, is Batu Muda in Kuala Lumpur (183) and Shah Alam in Selangor (182).

Areas with an API of above 170 are Seremban (178) and Nilai (175) in Negeri Sembilan.

Those which recorded an API of above 160 are Port Klang (169), Petaling Jaya (168) and Banting (163) in Selangor, while Putrajaya’s API is 167.

Other areas with APIs of above 150 are Malacca’s Bukit Rambai (159) and Malacca City (157), and Port Dickson in Negeri Sembilan (153).

Among the other 16 areas which recorded unhealthy API readings include Cheras (145) in Kuala Lumpur and Muar (124) in Johor.

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

Members of the public can refer to the DOE portal at http://apims.doe.gov.my for the latest API readings.