Cover image via The Straits Times
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Air quality in Malaysia continues to dip as haze conditions worsen, with eight locations now recording unhealthy Air Pollutant Index (API) levels this morning
According to Berita Harian, as of 8.20am today, 21 July, the Department of Environment's Air Pollutant Index Management System (APIMS) recorded eight areas across the country with 'unhealthy' air quality, including locations in Melaka, Negeri Sembilan, Selangor, Pahang, and Putrajaya.
Here's the full list of affected areas and their latest API readings:
1. Alor Gajah, Melaka – 159
2. Nilai, Negeri Sembilan – 158
3. Mentakab, Pahang – 156
4. Banting, Selangor – 155
5. Cheras, Kuala Lumpur – 152
6. Johan Setia, Selangor – 152
7. Putrajaya – 123
8. Bukit Rambai, Melaka – 103
These figures mean the air in these locations poses potential health risks, especially for children, the elderly, and individuals with lung or heart conditions
The likely cause of the worsening air quality is due to the transboundary haze blowing in from Sumatra, according to the Malaysian Meteorological Department (MET Malaysia).
MET Malaysia Director-General Dr Mohd Hisham Mohd Anip said a recent report from the Asean Specialised Meteorological Centre (ASMC) identified 79 hotspots in Sumatra.
The ongoing south-westerly winds are believed to be contributing to the movement of haze into Malaysian airspace.
Air quality yesterday was slightly better, but still worrying in key areas
As of 3pm yesterday, 20 July, five areas had already reported unhealthy air levels, including:
1. Putrajaya – 139
2. Banting – 154
3. Nilai – 162
4. Alor Gajah – 110
5. Johan Setia – 154
Since then, Mentakab and Cheras have joined the list, and readings have climbed higher overnight.
