Kuala lumpur: Eleven areas, comprising eight in Sarawak and three in the Peninsula, recorded Air Pollutant Index (API) readings at unhealthy levels due to haze as of 5 pm today.
According to BERNAMA News Agency, the eight areas in Sarawak recording unhealthy readings were the Serian District Police Headquarters (183), Sarikei (182), Samarahan (176), Kuching (175), Samalaju (165), Sri Aman (157), Sibu (155), and Mukah (154). In the Peninsula, two of the three areas are in Johor, namely Larkin (119) and Pasir Gudang (112), while the third area is Batu Muda in Kuala Lumpur (167).
Overall, 52 areas nationwide were reported to have moderate air quality, while five areas recorded good readings. No area had very unhealthy air. API readings of 0 to 50 indicate good air quality, 51 to 100 (moderate), 101 to 200 (unhealthy), 201 to 300 (very unhealthy), and 301 and above (hazardous).
Meanwhile, the Malaysian Meteorological Department (MetMalaysia) has issued a warning for thunderstorms, heavy rain, and strong winds expected to affect almost the entire country until 9 pm today. These weather conditions are forecast to hit the states of Perlis and Penang, as well as the districts of Langkawi, Padang Terap, Sik, Baling, Kulim, Bandar Baharu, and Kuala Muda in Kedah.
A similar warning has been issued for the Larut Matang, Selama, Kuala Kangsar, Hulu Perak, Kinta, Kampar, Batang Padang, Muallim, and Kerian districts in Perak; and for Gua Musang, Kuala Krai, Jeli, Tanah Merah, Pasir Mas, and Machang in Kelantan. Adverse weather is also expected in Terengganu, specifically in Dungun, Hulu Terengganu, Setiu, Kuala Nerus, Kuala Terengganu, and Marang, and in Pahang, covering Cameron Highlands, Raub, Bentong, Lipis, Kuantan, Pekan, Rompin, Temerloh, and Maran.
Other affected areas include Hulu Selangor and Hulu Langat in Selangor; Jelebu in Negeri Sembilan; and Johor Bahru and Kota Tinggi in Johor. Similar weather is also expected in Sarawak, affecting Bintulu (Tatau), Sibu (Selangau and Kanowit), Mukah (Mukah), Kapit (Song), Limbang (Lawas), Miri (Bario), Kuching (Kuching and Bau), and Sarikei (Julau). In Sabah, the affected areas include Sandakan, the West Coast, the Interior (Pensiangan, Sook, Tenom, Sipitang, Beaufort, Membakut, Tambunan, and Keningau), and Kudat (Kota Marudu).