Kuala lumpur: A total of 32 areas nationwide recorded unhealthy Air Pollutant Index (API) readings as at 5 pm today. According to BERNAMA News Agency, the Malaysian Air Pollutant Index Management System (APIMS) portal reported the highest reading in Johan Setia, Selangor, at 183. Additionally, four other areas in Selangor also exhibited unhealthy API levels, including Shah Alam (169), Petaling Jaya (162), Banting (161), and Klang (159).

Sarawak saw the highest number of areas with unhealthy air quality, with eight locations affected: Kuching (174), Samarahan (167), IPD Serian (166), Sibu (162), Bintulu (161), Sarikei (155), Sri Aman (154), and Kapit (153).

In Perak, several areas recorded unhealthy API readings, with Seri Manjung reaching 172, followed by Tasek Ipoh (160), Tanjung Malim (153), and Pegoh Ipoh (111).

Johor was also impacted, with Segamat (160), Tangkak (158), Batu Pahat (153), and Kluang (152) all experiencing unhealthy air quality levels. Negeri Sembilan recorded unhealthy API numbers in Nilai (175), Seremban (165), and Port Dickson (153), while in Melaka, Alor Gajah (160), Bukit Rambai (158), and Bandaraya Melaka (136) were affected.

The capital city registered unhealthy air conditions in Putrajaya (172), Batu Muda (167), and Cheras (165). Meanwhile, Pahang's Temerloh (155) and Jerantut (151) also reported unhealthy air quality.

The API scale indicates that a reading of 0 to 50 signifies good air quality, 51 to 100 is moderate, 101 to 200 is unhealthy, 201 to 300 is very unhealthy, and 300 and above is considered hazardous.