Unhealthy air quality in only 8 areas this morning

Only eight areas in the country recorded unhealthy Air Pollutant Index (API) readings as of 9 am this morning, compared to nine at 10 pm last night.

The Department of Environment said the areas were Larkin Lama in Johor with an API reading of 126; Balok Baru (123) in Kuantan, Pahang; Bandaraya Melaka (117) and Bukit Rambai (111) in Melaka.

Others were Muar (116) and Pasir Gudang (109) in Johor; Indera Mahkota (109) in Kuantan; and Samarahan (104) in Sarawak.

Meanwhile, 29 areas which recorded moderate API readings included Kemaman in Terengganu (97); Kuching (93), Sri Aman (89) and Sarekei (85) in Sarawak; and Seremban (85) in Negeri Sembilan.

Fourteen areas recorded good API readings including Seberang Jaya 2, in Perai, Penang (48); Kuala Terengganu (46); Bakar Arang (45); SMK Tanjung Chat in Kota Bharu (43); and Jalan Tasek and SK Jalan Pegoh in Ipoh (38), respectively.

USM in Penang and Kampung Air Putih in Taiping recorded API readings of 37 respectively; Alor Setar in Kedah and Perai (32) respectively; Langkawi and Seri Manjung in Perak (29) respectively; Tanah Merah in Kelantan (26); and Kuala Kangsar in Perak (23).

An API reading of 0 to 50 indicates good air quality; 51 to 100, moderate; 101 to 200, unhealthy; 201 to 300, very unhealthy and 300 and above, hazardous.

The public can access updates through http://apims.doe.gov.my/v2/.