Smoggy start to the day: Batu Pahat tops API at 197, with Selangor, KL and Putrajaya also unhealthy

KUALA LUMPUR, Oct 7 — Batu Pahat recorded the country’s highest Air Pollutant Index (API) reading of 197 at 9am today as unhealthy air quality persisted across parts of Malaysia.

The latest Department of Environment data showed 32 of its 68 monitoring stations in the unhealthy category at 9.07am, while 25 stations recorded moderate air quality and two recorded good air quality.

Johor accounted for several of the highest readings, with Tangkak at 172, Segamat and Pasir Gudang at 171 each, and Kluang at 167.

In Selangor, Johan Setia recorded an API of 190, followed by Shah Alam at 180, Petaling Jaya and Banting at 176 each, and Klang at 169.

In Kuala Lumpur, Cheras recorded 189 while another monitoring station in the Federal Territory recorded 177.

Putrajaya recorded an API of 187.

Negeri Sembilan also saw elevated readings, with Nilai at 189, Seremban at 181 and Port Dickson at 169.

In Melaka, Bukit Rambai recorded 175, while Alor Gajah and Bandaraya Melaka each recorded 174.

Elsewhere, Temerloh recorded 168, Indera Mahkota in Kuantan 160 and Jerantut 159 in Pahang, while Tasek Ipoh recorded 174 and Tanjong Malim 154 in Perak.

In Terengganu, Kemaman and Paka each recorded 156, while Tawau recorded 155 in Sabah.

Air quality in Sarawak remained in the good category based on the readings supplied.

Under the API classification, readings from 101 to 200 are considered unhealthy, while 51 to 100 is moderate and 0 to 50 is good.

No monitoring stations were recording very unhealthy or hazardous air quality in the 9.07am update.