KUALA LUMPUR, Oct 16 — Air quality in Larkin and Pasir Gudang, Johor, deteriorated to very unhealthy levels this evening, with the Air Pollutant Index (API) reaching 202 as at 5.30pm, while 27 other areas nationwide recorded unhealthy readings.

According to the Malaysian Air Pollutant Index Management System (APIMS) portal, six other areas in Johor recorded unhealthy API readings, namely Pengerang (181), Batu Pahat and Kota Tinggi (171 each), Kluang (168), Tangkak (159) and Segamat (156).

In Selangor, Johan Setia recorded the highest reading at 184, followed by Klang (176), Petaling Jaya (173), Shah Alam (168), Banting (162) and Kuala Selangor (152).

Three stations in Negeri Sembilan also recorded unhealthy readings: Nilai (181), Seremban (174) and Port Dickson (170).

In Melaka, Bandaraya Melaka recorded an API of 180, followed by Bukit Rambai (175) and Alor Gajah (169).

In Kuala Lumpur, Batu Muda and Cheras both recorded an API of 163, while Putrajaya registered 170.

Unhealthy air quality was also reported in Perak at Seri Manjung (160) and Tanjung Malim (158); in Pahang at Temerloh (139) and Rompin (103); and in Sabah at Tawau (153) and Sandakan (107).

Across the country, 27 areas recorded moderate API readings, while Sarikei in Sarawak was the only station with good air quality, at 50.

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 above 300, hazardous. — Bernama