SHAH ALAM, Sept 30 — A total of 33 areas across nine states and federal territories recorded unhealthy Air Pollutant Index (API) readings as of this morning, with Johan Setia in Selangor registering the highest reading at 176.
According to data from the Malaysian Air Pollutant Index Management System (APIMS), Cheras in Kuala Lumpur recorded the second-highest reading at 173, followed by Nilai, Negeri Sembilan, at 171 and Shah Alam at 170.
Other areas with high readings included Pasir Gudang, Johor, at 169; Batu Muda, Kuala Lumpur, at 166; Putrajaya and Larkin, Johor, both at 165; and Seremban at 164.
Klang, Indera Mahkota and Balok Baru in Kuantan each recorded an API reading of 163.
In Selangor, besides Johan Setia and Shah Alam, unhealthy readings were also recorded in Petaling Jaya at 161, Banting at 160 and Kuala Selangor at 154.
Johor was among the states with the highest number of affected areas, with Pasir Gudang recording an API of 169, followed by Larkin (165), Kota Tinggi (160), Pengerang (155), Batu Pahat (154), Tangkak (152), Kluang (131) and Segamat (115).
In Melaka, Melaka City recorded a reading of 160, followed by Bukit Rambai at 156 and Alor Gajah at 136.
Kuala Terengganu recorded an API of 157, while Kemaman and Paka registered 154 and 152 respectively.
In Pahang, Rompin recorded 152 and Jerantut 132, in addition to Indera Mahkota and Balok Baru in Kuantan, which both registered 163.
Meanwhile, Seri Manjung in Perak recorded an API of 154 and Tanjung Malim 146, while IPD Serian in Sarawak registered 140.
API readings of between 101 and 200 are categorised as unhealthy and may particularly affect sensitive groups, including children, the elderly and individuals with respiratory or heart conditions.
The public is advised to reduce outdoor activities, wear face masks when necessary outdoors and keep abreast of air quality updates through the APIMS website.
