Batu Pahat:A total of 21 areas in Malaysia recorded Air Pollutant Index (API) readings at an unhealthy level as of 8 am today, with Batu Pahat, Johor, having the highest reading at 188.

According to BERNAMA News Agency, other areas in Johor with unhealthy API readings include Kluang at 169, Segamat and Larkin both at 166, Pasir Gudang at 165, Tangkak at 164, Kota Tinggi at 155, and Pengerang at 154.

In Negeri Sembilan, Nilai recorded an API of 161 and Seremban 157. Melaka City and Bukit Rambai in Melaka had readings of 155 and 115, respectively.

In Pahang, Balok Baru and Indera Mahkota in Kuantan recorded readings of 153 and 142, respectively, with Rompin at 152 and Jerantut at 102. Putrajaya reported a reading of 152, while Cheras and Batu Muda in Kuala Lumpur recorded 140 and 120, respectively. In Terengganu, Kemaman and Paka recorded API readings of 134 and 111, respectively.

Nationwide, 48 areas recorded API readings at a moderate level, while five areas enjoyed good air quality. API readings are categorized as 0 to 50 for good air quality, 51 to 100 for moderate, 101 to 200 as unhealthy, 201 to 300 as very unhealthy, and over 300 as hazardous.