SHAH ALAM, Aug 28 — Three areas in Selangor recorded unhealthy Air Pollutant Index (API) readings this morning as the worsening haze affects more locations nationwide, with 20 areas now in the unhealthy category.
According to data from the Malaysian Air Pollutant Index Management System (APIMS) portal, Johan Setia had the highest API reading in Selangor at 153 at 10am, followed by Shah Alam (152) and Petaling Jaya (126).
Three other areas in Selangor had moderate readings — Kuala Selangor (91), Klang (91) and Banting (83).
Nationwide, Sri Aman in Sarawak recorded the highest API reading at 195, followed by IPD Serian in Sarawak (175) and Cheras in Kuala Lumpur (159).
Other locations recording unhealthy readings included Seberang Perai in Penang (158), Minden in Penang (157), Taiping in Perak (155), Sarikei in Sarawak (154), Seberang Jaya in Penang (153), Sungai Petani in Kedah (152) and Batu Muda in Kuala Lumpur (152).
The others are Putrajaya (147), Kuching in Sarawak (142), Tasek Ipoh in Perak (138), Miri in Sarawak (129), Alor Setar in Kedah (111), Seremban in Negeri Sembilan (107) and Seri Manjung in Perak (102).
A total of 46 areas recorded moderate readings, while Jerantut in Pahang is the only one with a good API reading (37).
Under the API classification, a reading between zero and 50 is good, 51 to 100 is moderate, 101 to 200 is unhealthy, 201 to 300 is very unhealthy, and above 300 is hazardous.
On Wednesday, the Selangor government activated the National Haze Action Plan through the Environment Department (DOE) following deteriorating air quality in several areas across the state.
State executive councillor for public health and environment Jamaliah Jamaluddin said local authorities have been instructed to intensify monitoring to prevent open burning, while schools have been advised to take precautions, particularly in areas where API readings exceed 100.
Schools, preschools and childcare centres have been told to close if the API reaches 200.
Jamaliah also urged people, especially those with respiratory health concerns. to limit outdoor activities.
