Larkin:The Air Pollutant Index (API) in Larkin and Pasir Gudang, Johor, reached very unhealthy levels today, with a reading of 202 at 5.30 pm. Meanwhile, 27 other areas across the nation experienced unhealthy air quality.

According to BERNAMA News Agency, six additional areas in Johor reported unhealthy API levels, including Pengerang with 181, Batu Pahat and Kota Tinggi with 171 each, Kluang at 168, Tangkak at 159, and Segamat at 156.

In Selangor, the highest API reading was recorded in Johan Setia at 184. Other areas such as Klang, Petaling Jaya, Shah Alam, Banting, and Kuala Selangor also saw unhealthy air quality, with readings of 176, 173, 168, 162, and 152 respectively.

Negeri Sembilan experienced similar conditions, with Nilai recording an API of 181, Seremban at 174, and Port Dickson at 170. In Melaka, Bandaraya Melaka registered 180, Bukit Rambai 175, and Alor Gajah 169.

In the capital, Batu Muda and Cheras both recorded API levels of 163, while Putrajaya saw a reading of 170. Unhealthy air quality was also noted in Perak at Seri Manjung (160) and Tanjung Malim (158), Pahang at Temerloh (139) and Rompin (103), and in Sabah at Tawau (153) and Sandakan (107).

Across Malaysia, 27 areas reported moderate API levels, while Sarikei in Sarawak was the only location with good air quality, registering an API of 50.

The API scale interprets readings of zero to 50 as good, 51 to 100 as moderate, 101 to 200 as unhealthy, 201 to 300 as very unhealthy, and above 300 as hazardous.