KUALA LUMPUR, Oct 24 ― Twenty-seven areas in the country still recorded unhealthy air as at 9am today.

According to the Department of Environment's (DOE) portal, Pasir Gudang recorded the highest Air Pollutant Index (API) reading at 154, followed by Kota Tinggi (147); Port Klang (140); Larkin Lama and Shah Alam (137); Kuala Selangor (127); Putrajaya (126); Banting and Bandaraya Melaka (125); Bukit Rambai (124); and Petaling Jaya (123).

Other areas with unhealthy air are Seremban (122); Nilai and Cheras, Kuala Lumpur (117); Port Dickson (116); Tanjung Malim (115); USM (113); Kangar, Muar and Bakar Arang, Alor Setar (111); Langkawi and Seberang Jaya (110); SMK Tanjung Chat, Kota Baharu (108); Alor Setar (105); SK Jalan Pegoh, Ipoh (102); and Seri Manjung (101).

In Perai, the air quality has improved to moderate with API at 100, from 120 (unhealthy) last night.

Other areas with moderate API readings are Samarahan (100); Jalan Tasek, Ipoh and Kuching (96); Sri Aman (94); Kg Air Putih, Taiping (89); Kuala Terengganu (88); Balok Baru, Kuantan (84); Jerantut (83); Tawau (82); Kemaman (79); Sibu (78); Sarikei (72);  Kapit (71); Bintulu (69); Indera Mahkota and Paka(68); Miri (64); Sandakan (61); Keningau (58); ILP Miri (56) and Kota Kinabalu (53).

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 visit the website at http://apims.doe.gov.my/v2 to know the current API readings. ― Bernama