PETALING JAYA: Residents in parts of the Klang Valley woke up to an unwelcome surprise on the first day of Aidilfitri – unhealthy air quality caused by haze.
According to the Department of Environment’s Air Pollutant Index (API), Banting and Klang recorded unhealthy readings of 158 and 153 respectively at 11am.
Cheras in Kuala Lumpur also faced unhealthy air with an API of 155.
As a reminder, an API reading of 0-50 indicates good air quality, 51-100 moderate, 101-200 unhealthy, 201-300 very unhealthy, and above 300 hazardous.
Data suggests the haze has been lingering for a while.
Additionally, Banting’s air quality dipped into the unhealthy range as early as 2am on April 8th, and has remained there since, according to FMT.
Klang followed suit at 2am yesterday, while Cheras crossed the unhealthy threshold at 7pm last night.
This unexpected haze could dampen the festive mood for many celebrating Raya.
It’s important for residents, especially those with respiratory problems, to take precautions and stay indoors if necessary.
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