KUALA LUMPUR, Oct 20 ― Air quality in 21 areas was recorded to be unhealthy as of 9am today.             

The Department of Environment stated in its website that the most affected areas included Port Klang with an air pollutant index (API) reading of 174; Shah Alam (157); and Batu Muda here (146).

Other areas are Petaling Jaya (140); Banting and Kuala Selangor (137); Tanjung Malim (133); Putrajaya (130); Tawau (123); Cheras here (121); and Sekolah Kebangsaan Jalan Pegoh, Ipoh (117).

Seri Manjung recorded an API reading of 114; Seremban (115); Jalan Tasek, Ipoh (112); Bukit Rambai, Nilai and Jerantut (110); Bakar Arang, Sungai Petani (107); Port Dickson (106); Kuala Terengganu (105); and Kemaman (103).

Twenty-nine areas recorded moderate API readings, including Bandaraya Melaka(97); Balok Baru, Kuantan (95); and Alor Setar (91).

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 access http://apims.doe.gov.my for updates. ― Bernama