By The Straits Times | Created at 2026-08-30 03:51:22 | Updated at 2026-08-30 05:34:19
1 hour ago
PETALING JAYA – A total of 17 areas in Malaysia recorded unhealthy to hazardous Air Pollutant Index (API) readings as of 9am on Aug 30, according to the Air Pollutant Index Management System (APIMS).
In Sarawak, two areas recorded hazardous readings, namely IPD Serian with an API reading of 374, and Samarahan (306).
Two other areas in Sarawak recorded very unhealthy readings, namely Kuching with an API reading of 295 and Sri Aman (214).
More than half of the 13 areas that recorded unhealthy levels of air pollution are also in Sarawak. They are Sarikei, with an API reading of 195, Sibu (188), Bintulu (180), Samalaju (172), Mukah (172), Kapit (160), Miri (155), and ILP Miri (152).
Other areas that recorded unhealthy readings are Matu Muda, Kuala Lumpur, with an API reading of 153; Johan Setia, Selangor (153); Tanjung Malim, Perak (121); Taiping, Perak (113); and Cheras, Kuala Lumpur (105)
50 other areas around the country recorded API readings at the moderate level, while no areas recorded good readings.
API readings of between zero and 50 indicate good air quality, 51 to 100 moderate, 101 to 200 unhealthy, 201 to 300 very unhealthy, while readings above 300 are categorised as hazardous.
API data is released hourly based on readings from 68 air quality monitoring stations nationwide. THE STAR/ASIA NEWS NETWORK
