A hazy Tuesday, with unhealthy API readings in seven areas

PETALING JAYA: Seven areas in Peninsula Malaysia recorded unhealthy air pollutant index (API) readings as at 8am Tuesday.

Nilai recorded the highest API reading at 135 followed by Bukit Rambai (126), Port Dickson (117), Seremban (114), Batu Muda (112), Malacca (110), and Banting (107).

Several other areas recorded high moderate readings, such as Port Klang (97), Putrajaya (95), Muar (95) and Shah Alam (91).

Meanwhile, Sarawak, which was previously the worst-hit state, recorded moderate-to-good API readings.

Samarahan recorded 88, followed by Sri Aman (82) and Kuching (77), with Limbang having the lowest API reading of 20.

The haze is due to open burning in Indonesia’s Sumatra and Kalimantan provinces as it is the fastest way to clear plantation and forest lands.

According to the Meteorological Department, both provinces continued to be shrouded in widespread moderate to dense smoke haze.

API readings of between 0 and 50 indicate good air quality; 51 and 100, moderate; 101 and 200, unhealthy; 201 and 300, very unhealthy; and over 301, hazardous.