The dust is getting better, only 12 areas of IPU records are unhealthy as of 3:00 p.m.

KUALA LUMPUR, Sept. 30: The state of dust across the country has improved when only 12 areas have recorded air pollution index (IPU) readings at unhealthy levels as of 3 pm today, compared to 29 areas at 10 this morning.

According to the Malaysian Air Pollution Index Management System (APIMS) portal, Batu Muda, Kuala Lumpur recorded the highest IPU readings of 162, followed by Value, Negeri Sembilan (161), Klang and Indera Korona, Kuantan respectively 158.

Putrajaya and Petaling Jaya, Selangor respectively recorded 156 readings, followed by Kota Tinggi, Johor (156) and Banting, Selangor (151).

Meanwhile, Batu Pahat, Johor recorded 122 readings, followed by Kota Bharu, Kelantan (118), Tanjung Malim, Perak (107) and Kluang, Johor (102).

In addition, a total of 29 areas recorded IPU readings at medium level, with Kemaman, Terengganu recording the highest reading of 100, followed by Bukit Rambai, Melaka (98), Seri Manjung, Perak and Kuala Selangor, Selangor 97 respectively as well as Port Dickson, Negeri Sembilan (97).

Other areas are Rompin, Pahang (92), Tangkak, Johor (91), Langkawi and Segamat respectively 90, Jerantut, Pahang (87), Alor Elephant, Melaka (86), Farmer River, Kedah (81), Alor Setar, Kedah (80), Red Land, Kelantan (78), Kangar, Perlis (76), Balik Island, Penang (74), Temerloh, Pahang (73), Taiping, Silver (70) and Pegoh Ipoh (67).

In Sabah, Sarawak and the Labuan Federal Territories, average readings were recorded in Tawau (73), Sri Aman (70), Bintulu (67), Samarahan (66), Labuan (63), Sandakan (59), Kimanis (54), Kota Kinabalu (53), Sarikei (53) and Kapit (52).

The development showed a significant decrease in the number of areas that recorded IPUs being unhealthy within five hours, after 29 regions had registered readings at the level as of 10 this morning.

At 10 am, some areas recorded higher readings, including Johan Setia, Selangor (175), Cheras (172), Shah Alam (170), Nilai (170) and Batu Muda, Kuala Lumpur (166).

IPU readings between 101 and 200 are categorized as unhealthy, while 51 to 100 show moderate air quality, zero to 50 good, 201 to 300 very unhealthy and readings above 300 are at dangerous levels. -TVS