Want clean air today? Skip Pasir Gudang, head for Balik Pulau or Limbang

Pasir Gudang in Johor topped the list as the most polluted city in Malaysia today, with an Air Pollutant Index (API) reading of 191 at 10am. This level is considered unhealthy, just nine points away from the "very unhealthy" threshold of 201. The reading had increased from 190 at 8am.

In stark contrast, the air quality in Balik Pulau, Penang, was a refreshing 42 at 10am, placing it firmly in the "good" range. Only 25% of Pasir Gudang's reading, the Penang town was a welcome respite from the smog.

Limbang in Sarawak followed closely behind at 48, also in the "good" category. The rest of East Malaysia proved to be clearer, with Sandakan in Sabah at 152.

State-wise, Johor suffered the most severe pollution, with Kota Tinggi at 183, Larkin at 181, Pengerang at 178, and Batu Pahat at 168 trailing behind Pasir Gudang. Negeri Sembilan exhibited similarly concerning levels, with Nilai at 171, Seremban at 167, and Port Dickson at 151.

Selangor had fewer pollutants, with Johan Setia at 164, Shah Alam at 160, Klang at 157, Petaling Jaya at 156, and Banting at 155. However, Kuala Selangor stood out with a moderate reading of 84.

Melaka wasn't exempt from the haze, as Bukit Rambai at 163, Alor Gajah at 160, and Bandaraya Melaka at 155 recorded unhealthy levels. Putrajaya logged a reading of 158, while Kuala Lumpur's Cheras and Batu Muda recorded 156 and 155, respectively.

East Malaysia, though not entirely free of pollutants, fared better. Sandakan in Sabah had an API of 152. Other states, including Labuan, Penang, Kedah, Kelantan, Perlis, Terengganu, Pahang, and Perak, remained in the moderate range.