Haze is getting worse

Two areas reported API readings above 400, with Port Klang recording a reading of 424 and Kuala Selangor 418.

The air quality in three other areas in the Klang Valley — Shah Alam (349), Putrajaya (337) and Petaling Jaya (304) — breached the hazardous level of 300.

Several schools announced that classes were being cancelled due to worsening air quality.

Air quality was "very unhealthy" here (337) and in Petaling Jaya (304).Eight areas recorded API readings of more than 100: Gombak (200), Tanjung Malim (205), Kuala Lumpur (276), Country Heights in Kajang (185), Nilai (174), Seremban (137), Jerantut (131) and Bukit Rambai, Malacca (107).

Thirty-one areas nationwide had readings of between 51 and 100, classified as "moderate".API levels above 300 are considered "hazardous", between 101 and 200 as "unhealthy", and below 50 as "good".

An emergency will only be declared if and when the API breaches the 500 level.

*The above is extracted from New Strait Times Online*