KUALA LUMPUR: The air quality in Klang, Selangor has reached unhealthy levels and appears to be worsening by the hour.

       The air pollutant index (API) reading in Banting, also in Selangor, has remained at an unhealthy level for three days.

       The Air Pollutant Index Management System (APIMS) indicated that the air quality in Klang and Banting as of 10am Tuesday (April 9) was 142 and 163 respectively.

       At 9am, Klang's API reached 139 while in Banting, it was 163.

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       While the air quality in Klang reached an unhealthy level at 2am, Banting has been experiencing that level since Sunday (April 7).

       These are the only two locations in the country with unhealthy API readings at present.

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       Areas with high readings bordering on unhealthy levels include Cheras (96), Nilai (96) and Balok Baru, Kuantan (97).

       Areas which recorded good API levels this morning include Paka (35) and Kuala Terengganu (38) in Terengganu; Kimanis (32) and Kota Kinabalu (35) in Sabah; with clean air readings in Kapit (20) and Mukah (23) in Sarawak.

       API readings of between 0 and 50 are categorised as good, while 51 to 100 are moderate.

       Readings of 101 to 200 are categorised as unhealthy, while readings of 201 to 300 are considered very unhealthy.

       Any air quality reading of 300 and above is categorised as hazardous.