Unhealthy air quality continues in Johor, Negeri Sembilan, Melaka

Johor, Negeri Sembilan, and Melaka are facing persistently poor air quality tonight, as seven districts in Johor join 23 areas nationwide with unhealthy air pollutant index (API) readings at 7pm. Pasir Gudang recorded the highest API reading of 177, followed by Kota Tinggi at 169, Larkin and Pengerang at 166 each, Batu Pahat at 158, Tangkak at 155, and Kluang at 153.

In Negeri Sembilan, Seremban reported an API of 164, Nilai at 160, and Port Dickson at 153. Melaka's Bandaraya Melaka registered an API of 154, with Alor Gajah following at 151. Putrajaya, where schools are closing, recorded an API of 153. Across the nation, 41 areas had moderate API readings, while four reported good air quality.

API readings ranging from zero to 50 are considered good, 51 to 100 moderate, 101 to 200 unhealthy, 201 to 300 very unhealthy, and 301 and above hazardous. Education Minister Fadhlina Sidek announced that schools in Johor, Negeri Sembilan, Melaka, Putrajaya, and certain districts in Selangor and Pahang will close tomorrow. Schools in Kuala Lumpur, Labuan, Kedah, Kelantan, Perlis, Penang, Perak, Terengganu, Sabah, and Sarawak, along with some Selangor and Pahang districts, will remain open.