12 areas nationwide are currently experiencing unhealthy air pollutant index readings.

The Department of Environment says 11 of these localities are in Sarawak, while one is in Johan Setia, Selangor.

Meanwhile, a further 54 locations around the country are currently recording moderate API readings. 

Of these, Shah Alam, Putrajaya, and Labuan have readings exceeding 90, with anything over 101 deemed unhealthy.

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The Drainage and Irrigation Department is on alert for the potential effects of the El Nino weather phenomenon.

It says it has more than 600 portable emergency pumps deployed nationwide, in case river or dam levels drop to critical levels.

It says these pumps can be used to channel water to agricultural areas and to help with forest and peatland fire-fighting operations.

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Always refer to the official guidelines when displaying the Jalur Gemilang, to avoid any mistakes with the flag.

The Information Department says these guidelines are available on the Merdeka360 portal and the department’s e-book platform.

This is to ensure that flag is displayed correctly to show respect and uphold the dignity of the national symbol.

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Another Malaysian has been caught trying to smuggle drugs overseas…this time in India.

The suspect was detained at the Chennai airport, with more than four kilos of hydroponic cannabis.

Separately, foreign reports say three Malaysians were arrested in Kaohsiung, Taiwan last month, for allegedly acting as money mules for scam syndicates.

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And, elsewhere, more than a hundred people have been killed after a powerful 7.4 magnitude earthquake struck western Colombia.

Rescue teams are currently searching for survivors among the rubble, after the tremor toppled multiple buildings across several cities.

This is the second major quake to hit South America, after the deadly twin earthquakes in Venezuela two months ago.