Six areas record unhealthy API readings

PETALING JAYA: Six areas in Peninsula Malaysia recorded unhealthy air pollutant index (API) readings as of 9am, Friday.

Nilai notched the highest API reading at 129 followed by Port Klang (119), Seremban (112), Putrajaya (106), Batu Muda (105), and Banting (103).

Several other areas recorded high moderate readings, such as, Shah Alam (99), Petaling Jaya (97), Port Dickson (95), and Cheras (93).

Most areas in Sabah and Sarawak, meanwhile, recorded good to moderate API readings with the lowest being Keningau (21), Miri (24) and Sandakan (25).

A Malaysian Meteorological Department forecaster, when contacted, said that reuption of Mount Sinabung in Northern Sumatra on Sunday had “no direct effect” on the haze in Malaysia.

“The haze is caused by forest fires due to open burning,” the forecaster told The Star Online.

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).