Haze returns to KL as Cheras, Batu Muda hit unhealthy levels

KUALA LUMPUR - As of 6pm, Cheras and Batu Muda both experienced unhealthy air quality, with their Air Pollutant Index (API) readings increasing from the morning. Cheras' API reached 171 from 158 at 8:30am, while Batu Muda's reading rose to 157 from 100. The capital city joined 36 other areas nationwide in recording unhealthy readings, nine more than in the morning hours.

Putrajaya's API also climbed to 166 from 154 at 8:30am, while Johan Setia in Selangor had the highest reading at 177, up from 161 in the morning. Bandaraya Melaka, Nilai, Shah Alam, Serian, and Pasir Gudang also reported unhealthy readings of 175, 174, 173, 173, and 173, respectively. In the Klang Valley, only Klang, Banting, Petaling Jaya, and Kuala Selangor had API readings in the unhealthy range, at 165, 164, 161, and 159, respectively.

In contrast, only five stations recorded good air quality as of 6pm, all located in Sabah and Sarawak, with Limbang having the lowest reading at 26. According to Malaysia's API classification, readings between 0 and 50 are considered good, 51 to 100 moderate, 101 to 200 unhealthy, 201 to 300 very unhealthy, and anything above 300 is hazardous.