KUALA LUMPUR, Sept 19 — A total of 17 areas nationwide recorded Air Pollutant Index (API) readings at unhealthy levels as of 4 pm today.

According to data from the Malaysian Air Pollutant Index Management System (APIMS), Sarawak recorded seven areas with unhealthy readings, namely IPD Serian (178), Kuching (171), Sri Aman (168), Samarahan (164), Sibu (157), Sarikei (152) and Bintulu (106).

In Johor, three areas recorded unhealthy readings, namely Larkin (158), Pasir Gudang (155) and Tangkak (102), followed by Kuala Lumpur with Cheras (149) and Batu Muda (121).

Seri Manjung in Perak recorded a reading of 159, while Shah Alam in Selangor recorded 152.

Putrajaya (121), Nilai in Negeri Sembilan (111) and Bukit Rambai in Melaka (108) were also at unhealthy levels.

Meanwhile, 38 other areas recorded moderate readings, while 12 areas recorded good air quality.

An API reading of zero 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