ROMPIN continues to record a “very unhealthy” air pollutant index (API) reading as at 12pm, said the Environment Department.

The Pahang district had an API of 226, down just four points from its 7am reading.

Some areas in Kuala Lumpur, Selangor, Negri Sembilan, Perak, Johor and Sarawak, meanwhile, had “unhealthy” readings.

In Kuala Lumpur, Batu Muda had an API of 132 and Cheras (137). Putrajaya registered 152.

In Selangor, Petaling Jaya recorded an API of 139, Shah Alam (143), Klang (134) and Banting (130).

Negri Sembilan’s Port Dickson had a reading of 111, Nilai (155) and Seremban (126), while Perak’s Seri Manjung recorded an API of 124. Tangkak in Johor registered 131.

In Sarawak, Sri Aman recorded an API of 156, Samarahan (123) and Kuching (143).

The smoke is caused by forest fires in Indonesia’s Sumatra and Kalimantan.

An API reading of 0 to 50 is considered “good”, 51-100 (moderate), 101-200 (unhealthy), 201-300 (very unhealthy), and 300 and above (hazardous).

It was reported that Malaysia has offered to help Indonesia put out the fires.

Energy, Science, Technology and Climate Change Minister Yeo Bee Yin said the message was conveyed to Indonesian Minister Counsellor Agus Badrul Jamal, as well as the counsellor for information, and social and cultural affairs, Agung Cahaya Sumirat, at the country’s embassy. – September 11, 2019.