THE smoke situation is gradually improving, with no areas in the country recording “very unhealthy” air pollutant index (API) readings as at 8am today.

The highest reading was registered in Johan Setia, Selangor, at 193, which is in the “unhealthy” range.

Batu Muda and Cheras in Kuala Lumpur; Tasek Ipoh in Perak; and, Sri Aman in Sarawak recorded “unhealthy” readings as well.

Kelantan, Perlis and Sabah registered “moderate” air quality.

On Friday, the Meteorological Department said Malaysia’s smoke woes are expected to ease when the monsoon transition phase begins next Tuesday.

Schools that had been ordered closed due to bad air are set to reopen tomorrow.

The Asean Specialised Meteorological Centre has forecast that the next few days will see a shift in wind direction and an increase in rain over some areas along the equator.

An API reading of between 0 and 50 indicates “good” air quality, “moderate” (51-100), “unhealthy” (101-200), “very unhealthy” (201-300) and “hazardous” (300 and above). – September 22, 2019.