Unhealthy air quality as haze returns to Klang Valley

In Klang Valley, the air quality has worsened with the return of unhealthy haze, as reported today at 8am. The air pollutant index (API) readings in the area are alarming, with the highest reading of 161 in Johan Setia, followed by Cheras at 158, Shah Alam at 156, Putrajaya at 154, and Klang at 153. This unhealthy air quality is a result of forest and land fires in Kalimantan, Indonesia.

Selangor also experienced unhealthy air conditions, with the highest API reading of 161 in Johan Setia, and Kuala Lumpur reported an API reading of 100, just one mark away from being classified as unhealthy. A total of 27 areas across the country reported unhealthy API readings, with the highest being Serian in Sarawak at 174. Sarawak's other parts, including Samarahan, Kuching, and Sri Aman, also experienced unhealthy air quality.

The southern states of Malaysia were the most affected, with Johor leading the list at 169 in Pasir Gudang, followed by Larkin, Batu Pahat, Pengerang, Kota Tinggi, Tangkak, Segamat, and Kluang. Negeri Sembilan, Melaka, and Pahang also reported unhealthy air quality. In contrast, the northern part of the peninsula and some areas in East Malaysia had moderate air quality, with seven areas enjoying good API readings.