Unhealthy air quality as haze returns to Klang Valley

The Klang Valley region is once again experiencing poor air quality due to haze originating from forest and land fires in Kalimantan, Indonesia. The highest Air Pollutant Index (API) reading of 161 was recorded in Johan Setia, followed by Cheras at 158, Shah Alam at 156, Putrajaya at 154, and Klang at 153. Selangor and Kuala Lumpur are the most affected areas, with the highest API reading in Selangor being 161 in Johan Setia, followed by Shah Alam at 156, Klang at 153, Banting at 150, Petaling Jaya at 116, and Kuala Selangor at 109.

In Kuala Lumpur, Batu Muda recorded an API reading of 100, just one point away from being classified as unhealthy.

A total of 27 areas across the country reported unhealthy API readings, with the highest being 174 in Serian, Sarawak. Other parts of Sarawak with unhealthy air quality include Samarahan at 160, Kuching at 158, and Sri Aman at 133. The southern states of Malaysia, particularly Johor, were the worst-hit, with API readings ranging from 142 in Kluang to 169 in Pasir Gudang.

Unhealthy air quality was also reported in Negeri Sembilan, Melaka, and Pahang, with Nilai recording an API of 164, Melaka city at 164, Bukit Rambai at 161, Port Dickson at 155, Alor Gajah at 153, Seremban at 152, and Rompin at 152. In contrast, parts of the north of the peninsula and some regions in East Malaysia reported moderate air quality, with seven areas having good API readings.