KUALA LUMPUR, Oct 3 — The haze here does not appear to be diminishing with 13 areas recording unhealthy air quality as of this afternoon.

According to the Department of Environment’s website, as at 12 noon, another area here, Cheras recorded an air pollutant index (API) reading of 107, compared to 96 at 9 am today.

The most affected areas are Nilai in Negri Sembilan (147); Seremban in Negri Sembilan (143); Port Klang, Selangor (137); Shah Alam, Selangor (134); and Bandaraya Malacca (131) and Bukit Rambai (128) in Malacca.

Other areas are Batu Muda, Kuala Lumpur (123); Putrajaya (123); Petaling Jaya and Banting, Selangor (122 and 118 respectively); Port Dickson, Negri Sembilan (116); and Pasir Gudang, Johor (110).

The API reading was moderate for 27 areas including Larkin Lama, Muar and Kota Tinggi in Johor (100, 93 and 92, respectively); Balok Baru, Kuantan (90); Seri Manjung, Perak (87); and Seberang Jaya 2, Perai, Penang (85).

Meanwhile, areas that recorded good air quality are Sekolah Menengah Tanjung Chat, Kota Baharu, Kelantan (49); Sandakan, Sabah (47); Sibu, Sarawak (44); and Keningau and Kota Kinabalu in Sabah (39 and 35, respectively).

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 300 and above, hazardous. 

The public can obtain updates through apims.doe.gov.my. — Bernama