Haze: Unhealthy Air Quality In 21 Areas As Of 9 Am

KUALA LUMPUR, Oct 20 (Bernama) -- Air quality in 21 areas was recorded to be unhealthy as of 9 am Tuesday. The Department of Environment stated in its website that the most affected areas included Port Klang with an air pollutant index (API) reading of 174; Shah Alam (157); and Batu Muda here (146). Other areas are Petaling Jaya (140); Banting and Kuala Selangor (137); Tanjung Malim (133); Putrajaya (130); Tawau (123); Cheras here (121); and Sekolah Kebangsaan Jalan Pegoh, Ipoh (117). Seri Manjung recorded an API reading of 114; Seremban (115); Jalan Tasek, Ipoh (112); Bukit Rambai, Nilai and Jerantut (110); Bakar Arang, Sungai Petani (107); Port Dickson (106); Kuala Terengganu (105); and Kemaman (103). Twenty-nine areas recorded moderate API readings, including Bandaraya Melaka(97); Balok Baru, Kuantan (95); and Alor Setar (91). An API reading of 0 to 50 indicates good air quality; 51 to 100, moderate; 101 to 200, unhealthy; 201 to 300, very unhealthy; and 300 and above, hazardous. The public can access http://apims.doe.gov.my for updates. -- BERNAMA