17 areas in Malaysia record unhealthy to hazardous API readings as of 9am

A vessel passes beneath the Batang Lupar II Bridge in Sri Aman as thick haze reduces visibility across the area on Sunday. Sri Aman recorded an Air Pollutant Index (API) reading of 214, classified as very unhealthy. Air quality was even worse elsewhere in Sarawak, with Kuching at 295, Samarahan 306 and Serian 374, as haze continued to blanket several parts of the state. — ZULAZHAR SHEBLEE / The Star

PETALING JAYA: A total of 17 areas in Malaysia recorded unhealthy to hazardous Air Pollutant Index (API) readings as of 9am on Sunday (Aug 30), according to the Air Pollutant Index Management System (APIMS).

In Sarawak, two areas recorded hazardous readings, namely IPD Serian with an API reading of 374, and Samarahan (306).

Two other areas in Sarawak recorded very unhealthy readings, namely Kuching with an API reading og 295 and Sri Aman (214).

More than half of the 13 areas that recorded unhealthy levels of air pollution are also in Sarawak. They are Sarikei, with an API reading of 195, Sibu (188), Bintulu (180), Samalaju (172), Mukah (172), Kapit (160), Miri (155), and ILP Miri (152).

Members of the public continue their morning jog in front of the Dewan Bandaraya Kuching Selatan (MBKS) headquarters despite thick haze blanketing the city at 7am. Kuching recorded an Air Pollutant Index (API) reading of 284, while Serian hit 358, as worsening air quality continued to affect parts of Sarawak. The public has been advised to reduce outdoor activities and wear protective masks. — ZULAZHAR SHEBLEE/The Star

Other areas that recorded unhealthy readings are Matu Muda, Kuala Lumpur, with an API reading of 153; Johan Setia, Selangor (153); Tanjung Malim, Perak (121); Taiping, Perak (113); and Cheras, Kuala Lumpur (105)

50 other areas around the country recorded API readings at the moderate level, while no areas recorded good readings.

API readings of between zero and 50 indicate good air quality, 51 to 100 moderate, 101 to 200 unhealthy, 201 to 300 very unhealthy, while readings above 300 are categorised as hazardous.

API data is released hourly based on readings from 68 air quality monitoring stations nationwide.