23 kawasan catat IPU tak sihat, selatan Semenanjung paling terjejas

Selatan Semenanjung Malaysia continues to suffer from poor air quality, with the Index of Urban Air Pollution (IPU) reading 185 in Seremban, Negeri Sembilan at 10 a.m., the highest in the country. Melaka, Negeri Sembilan, and Johor are particularly affected, with each region recording unhealthy air pollution indices. Out of 37 regions nationwide, 31 recorded a simple poor air quality index, and none achieved good or hazardous air quality.

The highest IPU reading was 185 in Seremban, followed by Nilai at 183 and Port Dickson at 174. In Melaka, Bukit Rambai and Bandaraya Melaka recorded an IPU of 184, while Alor Gajah had an IPU of 178. In Johor, Segamat and Pasir Gudang had IPU readings of 183, followed by Tangkak at 181, Kluang and Larkin at 175, Pengerang at 172, Batu Pahat at 169, and Kota Tinggi at 167.

Air pollution was also recorded as unhealthy across Selangor, with Johan Setia recording 182, Shah Alam 178, Petaling Jaya 169, Banting 168, Klang 166, and Kuala Selangor 152. Batu Muda and Cheras in Kuala Lumpur, and Putrajaya recorded an IPU of 170 each. In Perak, Tasek Ipoh recorded 179, Tanjung Malim 174, Pegoh Ipoh 173, and Seri Manjung 159.

Taiping recorded a lower IPU of 130. In Pahang, Rompin recorded 169, Indera Mahkota 162, and Temerloh 154. Sungai Petani and Alor Setar in Kedah recorded IPU readings of 156 and 153, respectively, while Kemaman in Terengganu had an IPU of 153. Educational institutions in Selangor, Melaka, Negeri Sembilan, Johor, Kuala Lumpur, and Putrajaya were advised to shut down starting today due to worsening air quality.

Schools in Johor remained closed until tomorrow. Under these advisories, schools with IPU readings above 180 need to shut down, while those with readings above 150 will close for three consecutive days starting October 12. Schools in Penang remain operational with the current air quality, but outdoor activities have been delayed.

The Penang Education Department stated that educational institutions must take necessary actions including postponing or canceling outdoor activities to ensure the safety and health of students and staff. IPU readings from 0 to 50 indicate good air quality, 51-100 simple, 101-200 unhealthy, 201-300 very unhealthy, and readings above 300 categorized as dangerous.