The air quality throughout the country continued to improve with only 10 areas recording moderate API (air pollutant index) readings at noon Monday, compared with 11 areas in the morning.

The list of API readings as at 1pm issued by the Department of Environment (DOE) showed that only Port Dickson recorded an increase in the API reading from 31 (good) to 55 (moderate).

Nine other areas also recorded moderate API readings namely Kuantan (73), Putrajaya (66), Banting (61), Port Klang (59), Muar (56), Kangar (54), Petaling Jaya (53), Shah Alam (51) and Alor Star (51).

Meanwhile, 41 areas recorded good API readings.

API readings of between 0 to 50 are categorised as good, moderate (51-100), unhealthy (101-200), very unhealthy (201-300) and hazardous (more than 301).

The public can check API status by surfing the department's portal at http://apims.doe.gov.my.