KUALA LUMPUR, Sept 15 — A total of 39 areas nationwide recorded unhealthy Air Pollutant Index (API) readings as of 4pm today.

According to the Air Pollutant Index Management System (APIMS) portal, six areas in Selangor recorded unhealthy air quality, with Johan Setia recording the highest reading at 188, followed by Shah Alam (173), Klang (167), Petaling Jaya (166), Banting (164) and Kuala Selangor (163).

Two areas in Sarawak also recorded unhealthy readings, namely Serian (171) and Samarahan (151).

In Johor, seven areas recorded unhealthy API levels, namely Tangkak (172), Pasir Gudang (167), Kota Tinggi (164), Larkin (161), Batu Pahat (160), Pengerang (160) and Segamat (117).

Pahang recorded five areas with unhealthy air quality, involving Indera Mahkota Kuantan (167), Temerloh (163), Jerantut (163), Balok Baru Kuantan (162) and Rompin (154).

In Negeri Sembilan, three areas recorded unhealthy readings - Nilai (176), Seremban (172) and Port Dickson (159).

In Terengganu, the affected areas were Kemaman (161), Paka (158) and Kuala Terengganu (157), while in Perak they were Tanjung Malim (166), Seri Manjung (160), Tasek Ipoh (157) and Pagoh Ipoh (104)

Two areas in Melaka - Alor Gajah and Bukit Rambai, recorded unhealthy readings at 164 each, while in Penang, unhealthy levels were recorded in Balik Pulau (154), Minden (152) and Seberang Jaya (139).

Other areas with unhealthy API readings were Cheras, Kuala Lumpur (177), Batu Muda, Kuala Lumpur (169), Putrajaya (174) and Sungai Petani, Kedah (153).

Meanwhile, 29 areas nationwide recorded moderate API levels.

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 above 301 hazardous. — Bernama