SELANGOR’S Johan Setia was the only area in Malaysia with a “very unhealthy” air quality as at 9am today.

Its air pollutant index (API) reading rose from 203 to 213 in four hours.

The Environment Department website showed 16 areas nationwide with “unhealthy” air quality and 51 in the “moderate” category, with some approaching “unhealthy”.

The southern parts of Sarawak that have been covered in smoke for most of the week are showing signs of respite, though Sri Aman, located 193km from Kuching, still had an “unhealthy” API reading.

As at 9am, the rural town registered 160, a steady improvement since 5am.

Kuching and Samarahan, which had been in the “very unhealthy” category for most of last week, now have “moderate” air quality, with readings of 82 and 69, respectively.

The Sarawak capital registered 104 at 8pm yesterday, while Samarahan recorded an API of 100 at 4pm.

The state’s major towns – Sibu (69), Mukah (67), Miri (64), Bintulu (73), Kapit (63), Limbang (58) and Sarikei (73) – have “moderate” air quality today.

In the peninsula, Penang’s Balik Pulau (128) and Minden (103) are showing signs of worsening air quality. Minden dropped out of the “unhealthy” category at 8pm yesterday, but returned as at 8am today.

In Perak, Tasek Ipoh registered an API of 103 and Seri Manjung (140).

In Kuala Lumpur, Batu Muda recorded 144, Cheras (127) and Putrajaya (128), while in Selangor, the API readings for Petaling Jaya, Shah Alam, Klang and Banting have decreased.

Some areas in Negri Sembilan, Pahang and Johor, however, are nearing the “very unhealthy” category.

The API for Jerantut in Pahang registered an increase from 103 at 3am to 115 at 9am. – September 12, 2019.