Haze in Muar hits critical level with API of 746

Muar has created a history of sorts today morning when its haze level sky rocketed to an Air Pollutant Index (API) reading of 746.

This reading is considered as a critical level that can lead to various health complications to the locals.

During the haze in 1997, Sarawak's API reading hit 800 and the state was declared as a state of emergency.

Likewise, in 2005, Kuala Selangor and Port Klang was declared as a state of emergency following severe haze in the areas.

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An API reading of between 0 and 50 is categorised as good, 51 to 100 (moderate), 101 to 200 (unhealthy), 201 to 300 (very unhealthy) while a reading of 300 and above is categorised as very dangerous.

Bandaraya Melaka and Bukit Rambai have also fallen into the dangerous category with a reading of 357 and 334.

Meanwhile, most areas in the Klang Valley including Cheras, Petaling Jaya and Shah Alam which has moderate air quality before this have recorded an unhealthy air quality as at 7am today.

A total of 67 per cent of major cities in Malaysia recorded moderate API readings while 23 per cent recorded unhealthy API readings.

Only 6 per cent of the cities still retain good air quality.