KL is seventh most polluted city in the world
KUALA LUMPUR: Kuala Lumpur was yesterday ranked the seventh most polluted city in the world (at 10pm), according to Switzerlandbased air pollution mapping service AirVisual.
KL had a United States Air Quality Index (AQI) of 127, which equates to “unhealthy for sensitive groups”.
Also in the list was Kuching, which was ranked 17, with an AQI of 80.
This marked a significant improvement from Wednesday, when KL was ranked the world’s most polluted city with a 165 reading, which equates to “unhealthy”.
The dubious honour meant that KL beat out Jakarta, Riyadh, Lahore and Delhi.
However, despite showing a slight improvement, many parts of the country continued to be blanketed by haze yesterday.
According to the Air Pollutant Index (API) reading published by the Department of Environment, 17 areas recorded an unhealthy level up to 5pm.
In Selangor, Johan Setia recorded the highest API with 194 followed by Kuala Selangor (133), Shah Alam (127), Klang (123), Petaling Jaya (119) and Banting (110).
In the Federal Territories, Putrajaya recorded a 120 API reading, while in Kuala Lumpur, areas with unhealthy readings were Batu Muda (136) and Cheras (118).
In Negri Sembilan, Nilai recorded an API reading of 115, while in Penang, Balik Pulau recorded 132 and Minden, 111.
Other areas affected include Seri Manjung (141) and Tasek Ipoh (104) in Perak; Tangkak (110) in Johor; Jerantut (112) in Pahang and Sri Aman (150) in Sarawak.
The API issued by the Department of Environment categorises a reading of between 0 and 50 as good, 51-100 (moderate), 101-200 (unhealthy), 201-300 (very unhealthy), while 300 and above as hazardous.
The poor air quality yesterday led to the closure of 29 schools in Selangor.
The schools included SK Jalan Kebun, SMK Jalan Kebun, SK Bukit Naga, SK Kampung Johan Setia and SK Kampung Pendamar.
The Selangor Education Department said the list of schools ordered to close would be updated regularly.
“School authorities in Selangor have been advised to refer to the circular issued by the Education Ministry on ways to manage the haze to protect students.”
According to the circular, dated Jan 15, if the API level goes beyond 100, which is categorised as unhealthy, all out-of-classroom or outdoor activities are to be stopped.
If the API hits 200, which is very unhealthy, all schools in the affected areas or districts must be shut down.
If the API breaches 500, which is the “emergency” level, all teachers and staff are not required to be in school.