Air quality deteriorated across several parts of Malaysia this morning, with 20 areas recording unhealthy Air Pollutant Index (API) readings as of 9am, according to the Air Pollutant Index Management System (APIMS).
Sri Aman in Sarawak recorded the highest reading at 195, putting it close to the very unhealthy category. It was followed by Serian District Police Headquarters at 173, Cheras in Kuala Lumpur at 159, Sarikei at 153 and Johan Setia in Selangor at 154.
Other affected areas included Seberang Perai in Penang at 157, Taiping in Perak at 155, Shah Alam at 152, Batu Muda in Kuala Lumpur at 152, Seberang Jaya at 152 and Sungai Petani at 152.
In Selangor, Petaling Jaya also recorded an unhealthy reading of 130, while Kuching and Miri registered 114 and 120 respectively.
The northern region also saw elevated readings, with Minden in Penang at 156 and Alor Setar in Kedah at 103. Tasek Ipoh and Seri Manjung in Perak recorded 137 and 113 respectively, while Seremban in Negeri Sembilan stood at 108.
Despite the deterioration, 46 areas remained at moderate levels while one area recorded good air quality. No areas were classified as very unhealthy or hazardous as of 9am.
Under the API classification, readings from zero to 50 indicate good air quality, 51 to 100 moderate, 101 to 200 unhealthy, 201 to 300 very unhealthy and readings above 300 hazardous.
