Port Dickson air still unhealthy, other areas moderate

Air quality in many areas in the country was moderate as at 10am today, except for Port Dickson in Negri Sembilan with an air pollutant index (API) reading at 104 (unhealthy), according to the Department of Environment’s website. Langkawi, which was at 103 yesterday, has dropped to a moderate level of 99. Schools in Langkawi are still closed today after Langkawi district education officer Marizuki Daud issued a directive yesterday as the smoke in the district showed no sign of improvement. The directive involves pupils in 21 primary schools, seven secondary schools, Langkawi Mara Junior Science College, the Langkawi branch of Maktab Mahmud and a private school. Other schools in the peninsula, except Kelantan, have reopened after two days of closure because of the worsening smoke. Other areas with readings in the moderate level include Banting in Selangor (93), Malacca (98), Bukit Rambai (97), Pasir Gudang in Johor (93) and Larkin Lama (91). An API reading of 0 to 50 indicates good air quality; 51 to 100 (moderate); 101 to 200 (unhealthy); 201 to 300 (very unhealthy) and 300 and above (hazardous). – October 7, 2015.