KUALA LUMPUR, Aug 13 — A total of 10 areas nationwide recorded unhealthy Air Pollutant Index (API) readings as of 4pm today, according to the Air Pollutant Index Management System (APIMS).

In Sarawak, seven areas recorded unhealthy readings, namely Serian with an API reading of 178, Samarahan (177), Kuching (174), Sri Aman (162), Sarikei (157), Mukah (152) and Sibu (151).

In the Peninsula, three areas also recorded unhealthy readings, namely Johan Setia (154) and Shah Alam (108) in Selangor, as well as Cheras (127) in Kuala Lumpur.

Meanwhile, 56 areas recorded API readings at the moderate level, while two 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. — Bernama