KUALA LUMPUR, Sept 16 — A total of 41 areas in Peninsular Malaysia recorded Air Pollutant Index (API) readings at unhealthy levels as of 9 am today.

According to the Malaysian Air Pollutant Index Management System (APIMS) portal, six areas in Selangor recorded unhealthy readings, namely Johan Setia (187), Shah Alam (175), Petaling Jaya (169), Klang (167), Banting (166) and Kuala Selangor (164).

In Kuala Lumpur, unhealthy readings were recorded in Cheras (179) and Batu Muda (172), while in Negeri Sembilan, the affected areas were Nilai (177), Seremban (175) and Port Dickson (160), as well as Putrajaya (176).

In Penang, four areas recorded unhealthy readings, namely Minden (166), Balik Pulau (164), Seberang Jaya (162) and Seberang Perai (160).

Perak recorded five areas at unhealthy levels, namely Seri Manjung (166), Tanjung Malim (164), Tasek Ipoh (162), Taiping (159) and Pegoh Ipoh (143).

Three areas in Melaka also recorded unhealthy readings, namely Bukit Rambai (164), Alor Gajah (160) and Melaka City (153), while in Terengganu, the affected areas were Kuala Terengganu (164), Kemaman (154) and Paka (151).

In Pahang, unhealthy API readings were recorded in Temerloh (163), Jerantut (162), Indera Mahkota, Kuantan (157), Balok Baru, Kuantan (154) and Rompin (119).

In Johor, the affected areas were Tangkak (159), Pasir Gudang (152), Batu Pahat (151), Kluang (125) and Segamat (107).

In Kedah, unhealthy readings were recorded in Sungai Petani (157), Kulim Hi-Tech (155) and Alor Setar (119), while Tanah Merah in Kelantan recorded a reading of 152.

Meanwhile, 22 areas nationwide recorded API readings at moderate levels, including Kuching (73), Sibu (66), IPD Serian (66), Samarahan (65), Bintulu (59), Sri Aman (55) and Miri (54) in Sarawak, as well as Tawau (79), Politeknik Kota Kinabalu (71) and Keningau (56) in Sabah.

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 301 and above hazardous. — Bernama