{
  "id": 12853108,
  "title": "Haze turns Sun blazing red over Johor",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/10/08/haze-turns-sun-blazing-red-over-johor",
  "topic": "science",
  "section": "Science",
  "published": "2026-10-08T11:15:42.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "New Straits Times",
    "slug": "new-straits-times",
    "url": "https://www.nst.com.my/news/regional/2026/10/1550712/haze-turns-sun-blazing-red-over-johor"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "In Johor, the sun took on a striking red hue as thick haze obscured the sky, drawing attention to the dramatic sight. According to Dr Mohd Hisham Mohd Anip, director-general of the Malaysian Meteorological Department (MetMalaysia), the phenomenon occurs when visible light is scattered by tiny particles present in the atmosphere. The haze particles cause sunlight to bend and spread, resulting in the Sun appearing red or orange. This optical effect is not uncommon when the atmosphere is polluted. At 6pm today, all eight air quality monitoring stations in Johor reported unhealthy Air Pollutant Index (API) readings, with Segamat showing the highest at 191. The other readings were 180 (Kluang), 175 (Tangkak), 171 (Pasir Gudang), 170 (Larkin), 165 (Batu Pahat), 157 (Pengerang) and 154 (Kota Tinggi).",
  "summary": "ISKANDAR PUTERI: The sun appeared blazing red over Johor today as haze blanketed the state, creating a striking sight across the skies.",
  "key_points": [],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 5,
    "also_reported_by": [
      {
        "outlet": "New Straits Times",
        "title": "Haze worsens in Johor as Segamat records highest API",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/10/08/haze-worsens-in-johor-as-segamat-records-highest-api",
        "published": "2026-10-08T08:02:51.000Z"
      },
      {
        "outlet": "Mothership",
        "title": "Schools in Johor to close on Oct. 8 & 9 following worsening haze conditions",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/10/08/schools-in-johor-to-close-on-oct-8-9-following-worsening-haze",
        "published": "2026-10-08T08:52:18.000Z"
      },
      {
        "outlet": "Malay Mail",
        "title": "Schools in Malaysia to close from tomorrow if haze index tops 180, Education Ministry says",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/10/08/schools-in-malaysia-to-close-from-tomorrow-if-haze-index-tops-180",
        "published": "2026-10-08T12:23:17.000Z"
      },
      {
        "outlet": "The Peninsula Qatar",
        "title": "Ministry introduces new requirements for driving schools in Qatar",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/10/08/ministry-introduces-new-requirements-for-driving-schools-in-qatar",
        "published": "2026-10-08T13:18:43.000Z"
      }
    ]
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}