Haze: 36 areas record unhealthy API readings, Seremban and Segamat highest

KUALA LUMPUR: Haze conditions remained concerning tonight, with 36 areas nationwide recording unhealthy Air Pollutant Index (API) readings as of 10pm.

According to the Air Pollutant Index Management System (APIMS), Seremban in Negri Sembilan and Segamat in Johor recorded the highest API reading at 188.

They were followed by Nilai, Negri Sembilan (184); Bukit Rambai, Melaka (178); Kluang, Johor (178); Bandaraya Melaka (177); Tangkak, Johor (177); and Johan Setia, Selangor (177).

The Klang Valley was also affected, with Putrajaya recording an API reading of 174, followed by Batu Muda in Kuala Lumpur (173), Shah Alam (172), Banting (171), Cheras (170) and Petaling Jaya (168).

In the east coast and northern regions, several areas including Rompin, Pahang (174); Bandar Indera Mahkota, Kuantan (166); Pegoh, Ipoh (160); Tanjung Malim, Perak (160); Kemaman, Terengganu (156); and Seberang Perai, Penang (128) also recorded unhealthy readings.

Meanwhile, the Malaysian Meteorological Department (MetMalaysia), in a Facebook post, said the haze was expected to persist in several parts of the country.

In the Klang Valley and surrounding areas, including Kuala Lumpur, Petaling, Sepang and Putrajaya, hazy conditions are forecast in the morning and at night, while thunderstorms are expected in some areas in the afternoon.

In Johor, districts including Segamat, Kota Tinggi and Muar are forecast to remain hazy throughout the day, in the morning, afternoon and at night, with no rain expected.

The lack of rain is expected to hamper efforts to improve air quality in the near term.

"Therefore, people in affected areas are advised to reduce outdoor physical activities, wear a suitable face mask if they need to go outside and drink sufficient water to prevent health problems related to the deteriorating air quality," it said.