EIGHTEEN areas in the country recorded unhealthy Air Pollutant Index (API) readings as of 9am today.

Based on data of the Air Pollutant Index Management System of the Department of Environment, the high readings were logged in Johor, Malacca, Kuala Lumpur, Pahang and Terengganu.

The areas are Bukit Rambai at 163, Batu Pahat (163), Nilai (161), Larkin (158), Alor Gajah (156), Bandar Raya Melaka (155), Segamat (155), Tangkak (155), Cheras (154), Port Dickson (153), Pasir Gudang (152), Seremban (151), Putrajaya (143), Banting (127), Rompin (120), Kemaman (111), Batu Muda (103) and Paka (102).

API readings of 0-50 are categorised as good, 51-100 (moderate), 101-200 (unhealthy), 201-300 (very unhealthy) and 300 and above (hazardous).

The API data are issued hourly, based on readings at 68 air quality monitoring stations across the country. – October 8, 2023.