Air quality deteriorates in 28 areas; Klang Valley, Johor hotspots rise

Today, the air quality in Malaysia faced a significant challenge with unhealthy readings across several regions. In the Klang Valley, API readings reached 173 in Klang and Johan Setia, indicating poor air quality. Cheras had a reading of 168, Putrajaya recorded 165, Batu Muda had 164, Banting was at 160, Shah Alam 159, and Petaling Jaya the highest at 154. This marked a rise in API readings as the air pollutant index (API) in the Klang Valley worsened.

Johor, however, continued to bear the brunt of the haze, with Pasir Gudang recording the highest API reading at 177. Following closely were Kota Tinggi with 166, Larkin 164, Pengerang 162, Batu Pahat 154, Kluang 152, and Tangkak 151. Johor's pervasive haze situation underscored the severity of the air quality crisis.

Elsewhere, Negeri Sembilan faced unhealthy air quality in Nilai (174), Port Dickson (165), and Seremban (160). Melaka also reported similar conditions in Bukit Rambai (169), Melaka city (164), and Alor Gajah (156). On the east coast, Pahang continued to grapple with unhealthy API readings in Indera Mahkota (155) and Rompin (153), while Terengganu noted hazy conditions in Kemaman (156) and Paka (155).

Farther north, Sarawak reported hazy conditions in Serian (153) and Sri Aman (134). The air quality classification system categorizes readings as follows: 0-50 (good), 51-100 (moderate), 101-200 (unhealthy), 201-300 (very unhealthy), and 301 and above (hazardous).