JOHAN Setia Klang in Selangor has recorded a “very unhealthy” air pollutant index (API) reading, while three areas have shown improvements as of 7pm today, said the Department of Environment.

The district’s API shot up to 203, up five points from the last reading of 198 at 5pm today.

Three areas recorded safe levels: Samarahan (92) in Sarawak, Bukit Rambai (99) and Alor Gajah (98) in Malacca.

Rompin in Pahang continues to record a “very unhealthy” API of 221, the highest in the country.

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

In Kuala Lumpur, Batu Muda had an API of 148 and Cheras (150). Putrajaya registered 159.

In Selangor, Shah Alam recorded an API of 158, Balik Pulau in Penang (128); Seri Manjung in Perak (130).

Nilai in Negri Sembilan had a reading of 159, Nilai (155) and Seremban (126), while Tangkak in Johor (120).

In Sarawak, Sri Aman recorded an API of 138 and Kuching (109).

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 is moderate, 101-200 is unhealthy, 201-300 is very unhealthy, and 300 and above is hazardous.

Earlier today, Selangor health director Dr Khalid Ibrahim urged the public – especially children, senior citizens and those with respiratory problems – to ensure they wore the right type of face masks, while smoke enveloped the country.

He said two types of face mask on sale were the surgical mask and the N95, recommending the surgical mask for more unhealthy conditions. – September 11, 2019.