Air quality improves after downpour in Klang Valley

PETALING JAYA: The Air Pollutant Index (API) levels in several areas in the Klang Valley have improved following a downpour on Tuesday morning.

As of 11am, the API readings in Cheras (92), Batu Muda (95), Putrajaya and Banting (99) recorded moderate levels.  

The API readings in two areas, namely Nilai (112) and Shah Alam (103), remain at unhealthy levels. 

But this marks a slight improvement in air quality where at 8am, four areas Nilai (120), Banting (102), Putrajaya (103), and Shah Alam (105) had reached unhealthy levels.

Earlier, downpours in several areas in the Klang Valley, which lasted more than two hours, had caused massive traffic delays, resulting in flash floods in Kuala Lumpur and Selangor.

According to the Department of Environment website, an API reading of below 50 is considered good, between 51-100 moderate, a reading of 101-200 is unhealthy, 201-300 very unhealthy and more than 300 is considered hazardous.