CLEAR skies proved fleeting in parts of the country today as the air quality reverted to unhealthy as of 7pm.

Selangor, Negri Sembilan, Johor, Pahang and Malacca are the states where the API has reached unhealthy heights of 108 to 190.

The Department of Environment website shows the air is unhealthy in Johan Setia, Putrajaya, Banting, Nilai, Seremban, Alor Gajah, Port Dickson, Bukit Rambai, Segamat, Batu Pahat, Kluang, Larkin, Rompin, Temerloh, Indera Mahkota Kuantan and Balok Baru Kuantan.

Bandaraya Melaka and Tangkak are the two areas on the peninsula with very unhealthy readings at 215 and 249, respectively.

An API reading of 0-50 indicates good air quality; 51-100, moderate; 101-200, unhealthy; 201-300, very unhealthy; and 300 and above, hazardous.

In West Malaysia, Sarawak has nine places with bad air quality level. Kuching and Samarahan are at the very unhealthy range with 210 and 204 API.

Places in Sarawak with unhealthy API readings are ILP Miri (130), Miri (109), Samalaju (121), Bintulu (149), Mukah (131), Sibu (155l, Sarikei (172), Sri Aman (175) and SK Kuala Baram (111).

Tawau in Sabah is is also seeing unhealthy readings at 128. Other areas are in the moderate range.

The Energy, Science, Technology, Environment and Climate Change Ministry said today that cloud-seeding will take place tomorrow.

Its deputy minister, Isnaraissah Munirah Majilis said the operations will be focused in hard-hit Selangor and Johor.

Isnaraissah said smoke on the peninsula was due to open burning in Sumatra and Kalimantan as data from the Asean Specialised Meteorological Centre showed.

She said Malaysia had offered assistance to Indonesia to put out the fires but had not received a response.

Schools in Johor are closed today.

Johor Education, Human Resources, Science and Technology Committee chairman Aminolhuda Hassan issued the directive, saying the closure affected 129 schools in Tangkak and 89 schools in Muar, as well as institutions of higher learning, including matriculation colleges.

Sunday is the beginning of the work week in Johor.  – September 15, 2019.