SHAH ALAM, Aug 24 - Thirty areas in eight states and two Federal Territories recorded unhealthy Air Pollutant Index (API) readings as of 11am today, with Serian, Sarawak maintaining its highest reading among all - at 180, nearing the Very Unhealthy level.
According to data from the Air Pollutant Index Management System (APIMS) portal, Sarawak was the worst affected state recording unhealthy reading, with five areas affected: Serian (180), Sri Aman (170), Kuching (163), Samarahan (156), and Sarikei (152).
Meanwhile, Johan Setia, Selangor recorded the second worst nationwide after Serian, and Shah Alam recorded the second worst API reading in Selangor (162).
The other six states besides Sarawak and Selangor as well as two Federal Territories that recorded unhealthy API reading are Perak, Penang, Negeri Sembilan, Melaka, Johor, Kedah, Putrajaya, and Kuala Lumpur.
Meanwhile, 38 areas nationwide recorded moderate air quality readings.
An API reading of zero to 50 indicates good air quality, 51 to 100 moderate, 101 to 200 unhealthy, 201 to 300 very unhealthy, and readings above 300 hazardous.
API data is released hourly based on readings recorded at 68 air quality monitoring stations nationwide.
