KUALA LUMPUR, Sept 15 (Bernama) -- A total of 38 areas nationwide recorded unhealthy Air Pollutant Index (API) readings as of 9 am today.
According to the Malaysian Air Pollutant Index Management System (APIMS) portal, three areas in Sarawak recorded unhealthy readings, namely Serian (188), Samarahan (163) and Kuching (154).
Seven areas in Johor also recorded unhealthy readings, namely Pasir Gudang (171), Larkin (168), Tangkak (167), Kota Tinggi (165), Batu Pahat (161), Pengerang (161) and Kluang (152).
In Selangor, six areas recorded unhealthy readings: Johan Setia (182), Shah Alam (168), Petaling Jaya (160), Klang (160), Banting (157) and Kuala Selangor (156).
Pahang recorded five areas at unhealthy levels, namely Balok Baru, Kuantan (162), Indera Mahkota, Kuantan (161), Temerloh (156), Jerantut (155) and Rompin (152).
Three areas each in Negeri Sembilan and Terengganu also recorded unhealthy readings.
In Negeri Sembilan, they were Nilai (168), Seremban (165) and Port Dickson (151), while in Terengganu, the affected areas were Kemaman (157), Paka (156) and Kuala Terengganu (154).
Perak also recorded three areas with unhealthy readings, namely Tanjung Malim (158), Seri Manjung (154) and Tasek Ipoh (151).
Meanwhile, two areas in Melaka recorded unhealthy readings, namely Alor Gajah (159) and Bukit Rambai (156), while Balik Pulau (141) and Minden (118) in Penang were also in the unhealthy category.
Other areas recording unhealthy API readings were Cheras (171) and Batu Muda (162) in Kuala Lumpur, Putrajaya (166), and Sungai Petani, Kedah (117).
Meanwhile, 30 areas nationwide recorded moderate API readings.
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 301 and above hazardous.
-- BERNAMA