41 Areas Across Peninsular Malaysia Record Unhealthy Air Pollutant Index Readings

KUALA LUMPUR, Sept 16 — A total of 41 areas across Peninsular Malaysia recorded Air Pollutant Index (API) readings at unhealthy levels as of 9:00 am today, according to data from the Malaysian Air Pollutant Index Management System (APIMS).

Selangor recorded six areas with unhealthy air quality, led by Johan Setia with the nation’s highest API reading of 187, followed by Shah Alam (175), Petaling Jaya (169), Klang (167), Banting (166), and Kuala Selangor (164). In Kuala Lumpur, Cheras registered 179 and Batu Muda recorded 172, while Putrajaya stood at 176.

Negeri Sembilan saw elevated levels in Nilai (177), Seremban (175), and Port Dickson (160). In Perak, five areas recorded unhealthy readings: Seri Manjung (166), Tanjung Malim (164), Tasek Ipoh (162), Taiping (159), and Pegoh Ipoh (143).

In the northern region, four locations in Penang hit unhealthy levels—Minden (166), Balik Pulau (164), Seberang Jaya (162), and Seberang Perai (160)—while Kedah reported high readings in Sungai Petani (157), Kulim Hi-Tech (155), and Alor Setar (119). In Kelantan, Tanah Merah recorded an API of 152.

Across the East Coast and southern states, Pahang recorded unhealthy readings in Temerloh (163), Jerantut (162), Indera Mahkota (157), Balok Baru (154), and Rompin (119). Terengganu reported Kuala Terengganu (164), Kemaman (154), and Paka (151) at unhealthy levels. Melaka recorded readings in Bukit Rambai (164), Alor Gajah (160), and Melaka City (153), while Johor recorded five affected areas led by Tangkak (159), Pasir Gudang (152), Batu Pahat (151), Kluang (125), and Segamat (107).

An API reading between 0 and 50 indicates good air quality, 51 to 100 is moderate, 101 to 200 is unhealthy, 201 to 300 is very unhealthy, and 301 or above is classified as hazardous.

Meanwhile, 22 areas nationwide maintained moderate air quality, including Kuching (73), Sibu (66), IPD Serian (66), Samarahan (65), Bintulu (59), Sri Aman (55), and Miri (54) in Sarawak, alongside Tawau (79), Politeknik Kota Kinabalu (71), and Keningau (56) in Sabah.

–NMT