Air quality in Malaysia reaches unhealthy levels in 24 areas

Twenty-four areas across Malaysia recorded unhealthy Air Pollutant Index (API) readings as of Thursday morning. Pasir Gudang in Johor recorded the highest reading at 196.

In Johor, several other locations reported unhealthy levels, including Larkin (177), Pengerang (174), Kota Tinggi (172), Batu Pahat (170), Tangkak (168), Segamat (161), and Kluang (159). Other affected regions include Negeri Sembilan (Nilai, Seremban, and Port Dickson), Selangor (Klang, Johan Setia, Petaling Jaya, Shah Alam, and Banting), Melaka (Bandaraya Melaka, Bukit Rambai, and Alor Gajah), and the Federal Territories (Cheras, Putrajaya, and Batu Muda). In Sabah, Sandakan and Tawau also reported unhealthy air quality.

According to the Department of Environment's Air Pollutant Index Management System (APIMS), 43 areas remained at a moderate level, while only one area recorded good air quality. The API scale classifies readings between 101 and 200 as unhealthy.