In the thick of it: Haze clouding the air in Seremban. — Bernama
PETALING JAYA: Nine locations in Malaysia saw unhealthy air when measured using the Air Pollutant Index (API), said the Department of Environment (DOE).
As of 5.30pm yesterday, DOE’s Air Pollutant Index Management System (APIMS) website recorded Seremban and Melaka’s Alor Gajah as having a reading of 157, the highest for the country.
Kemaman, Terengganu recorded 153, while Pahang’s Temerloh and Balok Baru, Kuantan, both saw a reading of 152.
Meanwhile, Banting, in Selangor, saw a slight reduction to 151, while Nilai, Negri Sembilan, dropped to 147, from a high of 162 last Sunday.
Johan Setia, Selangor and Cheras, Kuala Lumpur, recorded at 143 and 109, respectively.
At the same time, 55 areas across the country saw “moderate” air quality levels.
API readings ranging from 101 to 200 are classified as unhealthy, and could impact vulnerable groups, including the elderly, children, and those with respiratory issues, Bernama reported.
Meanwhile, areas that continue to enjoy relatively clean air, with API readings of no more than 50, included Alor Setar (46), Kapit, Sarawak (44), Langkawi (25), and Kangar, Perlis (23).
In a statement to Bernama yesterday, DOE urged the public to reduce outdoor activities, wear face masks when outdoors, and to seek medical assistance if they experience breathing difficulties or other respiratory problems.
