KUALA LUMPUR, Oct 18 — A total of 26 areas nationwide recorded unhealthy Air Pollutant Index (API) readings as of this afternoon, with Pasir Gudang, Johor, recording the highest reading at 182.

According to the Department of Environment’s (DOE) Air Pollutant Index Management System (APIMS) portal, seven areas in Johor recorded unhealthy readings: Kota Tinggi (179), Larkin (170), Pengerang (168), Batu Pahat (166), Kluang (161), Tangkak (158) and Segamat (156).

In Selangor, five areas also recorded unhealthy readings: Johan Setia (161), Shah Alam (157), Petaling Jaya and Klang (154 each), and Banting (152).

In Negeri Sembilan, Nilai recorded the highest reading at 170, followed by Seremban (166) and Port Dickson (152). All three monitoring areas in Melaka also recorded unhealthy readings: Bukit Rambai (166), Melaka City (158) and Alor Gajah (157).

In the Federal Territories, Putrajaya recorded an API reading of 155, while Cheras and Batu Muda in Kuala Lumpur recorded readings of 154 and 152, respectively.

Meanwhile, the areas recording unhealthy API readings in Pahang and Sarawak were Rompin (152), Kuching (155), Serian district police headquarters (IPD Serian) (155) and Samarahan (138).

A total of 41 areas recorded moderate API readings, while one area recorded a good reading.

An API reading of zero to 50 indicates good air quality, 51 to 100 moderate air quality, 101 to 200 unhealthy air quality, and 201 to 300 very unhealthy air quality. Readings above 300 are classified as hazardous. — Bernama