Langkawi API reading tops list of 17 unhealthy areas

PETALING JAYA: With a reading of 168, Langkawi recorded the highest Air Pollutant Index (API) in the country at 11am Tuesday.

And at 136, Kuala Selangor is the second highest of the 17 areas deemed unhealthy according to the Department of Environment website.

The other areas are Pasir Gudang, Johor and Port Klang, Selangor (both 127); Seri Manjung, Perak (122); Shah Alam (117); Larkin Lama, Johor (113); Kangar, Perlis (111); Bandaraya Melaka and Bukit Rambai, Malacca and Port Dickson, Negri Sembilan, Universiti Sains Malaysia in Penang (all 110); Banting, Selangor (108); Seberang Jaya 2, Perai (105); Bakar Arang, Sungai Petani (102) and Putrajaya and Kota Tinggi, Johor (both 101).

Twenty-two areas recorded moderate readings, among them being Kampung Air Putih, Taiping (100), followed by Alor Setar, Kedah (99) and Petaling Jaya, Selangor (98).

An API reading of 0 to 50 indicates good air quality; 51 to 100, moderate; 101 to 200, unhealthy; 201 to 300, very unhealthy and above 300, hazardous.

Members of the public can refer to the DOE portal at apims.doe.gov.my for the latest API reading.