AIR quality in many areas across the country has improved vastly, no places recording air pollutant index (API) levels in the hazardous or very unhealthy categories, said the Department of Environment (DoE).

As at 7pm today, 19 areas showed unhealthy API readings while only four districts saw readings of more than 150.

The four districts were Batu Muda, Kuala Lumpur (161), Cheras, Selangor (150), Johan Setia Klang (157) and Kuching, Sarawak (157).

Yesterday, the Malaysian Meteorological Department (MetMalaysia) said the public could expect temporary relief from unhealthy air early next week due to changing winds.

Its director-general, Jailan Simon, had said that by tomorrow or Monday, air quality would improve in Peninsular Malaysia.

He said in Sarawak, the smoke would clear up either to or tomorrow as winds changed direction.

“This is a temporary relief for four to five days. But, the smoke may return if the winds blow from the southwest again.”

Earlier, Jailan had said conditions in the country was expected to improve as the monsoon transition phase begins on Tuesday.

He said during the phase, regions will experience low-speed wind from various directions, leading to potential thunderstorms.

The beginning of the phase marks the end of the southwest monsoon season, which began on May 6, he added.

Flash floods that could damage weak infrastructure were also likely, he said.

The public was advised to be more alert during this period, and to keep themselves updated on weather predictions and warnings issued by the department through its website, the myCuaca mobile application and social media.

Other areas affected by the smoke are Putrajaya (137), Petaling Jaya (144), Shah Alam (131) and Klang (118).

Seremban recorded API levels of 128, Segamat, Johor (130), Jerantut, Pahang (112) and Samarahan, Sarawak (136).

A reading of 0-50 indicates good air quality, followed by moderate (51-100), unhealthy (101-200), very unhealthy (201-300) and hazardous (300 and above) air. – September 21, 2019.