Seventeen areas across Malaysia recorded unhealthy Air Pollutant Index (API) readings as at Tuesday morning, with Johor accounting for eight of the 10 highest readings nationwide.
Based on data from the Air Pollutant Index Management System (APIMS), Batu Pahat recorded the highest reading at 183, followed by Kluang at 169, Larkin at 167, Segamat at 165, Pasir Gudang at 164 and Tangkak at 161.
Other areas in the unhealthy category were Nilai at 159, Seremban at 156, Kota Tinggi at 155, Pengerang at 154, Putrajaya and Bandaraya Melaka at 152, Balok Baru, Kuantan at 152, Rompin at 151, Cheras at 132, Kemaman at 109 and Indera Mahkota, Kuantan at 106.
Under APIMS, readings between 101 and 200 are classified as unhealthy and may affect sensitive groups including children, the elderly and people with respiratory or heart conditions.
Meanwhile, 47 monitoring stations recorded moderate readings between 51 and 100.
Three areas were close to entering the unhealthy category, with Bukit Rambai in Melaka, Paka in Terengganu and IPD Serian in Sarawak each recording a reading of 99.
In the Klang Valley, Batu Muda recorded an API reading of 98, followed by Shah Alam and Banting at 90, Petaling Jaya at 89 and Klang at 82.
Only four areas recorded good air quality, namely Minden in Penang at 50, Kangar in Perlis at 39, Langkawi in Kedah at 29 and Balik Pulau in Penang at 26.
The public has been advised to reduce outdoor activities, wear face masks when outdoors and seek medical attention if experiencing breathing difficulties, persistent coughing or eye irritation.
Air quality readings can be monitored through APIMS operated by the Department of Environment.
