{
  "id": 13049647,
  "title": "Malaysia shuts schools amid toxic haze from Indonesian fires",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/10/09/malaysia-shuts-schools-amid-toxic-haze-from-indonesian-fires",
  "topic": "world",
  "section": "World",
  "published": "2026-10-09T06:39:00.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "DW News",
    "slug": "dw-news",
    "url": "https://www.dw.com/en/malaysia-shuts-schools-amid-toxic-haze-from-indonesian-fires/a-79607231?maca=en-rss-en-all-1573-rdf"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "The Malaysian government has decided to close schools in Kuala Lumpur and other regions due to hazardous air quality caused by forest fires in neighboring Indonesia. Education Minister Fadhlina Sidek directed state and district education offices to monitor the haze situation closely and take immediate action if necessary. Five states and two federal territories are affected, with some schools fully closed and others operating partially. Malaysian King Sultan Ibrahim recommended closing schools when air-quality readings reach 150 on the Air Pollutant Index (API). Kuala Lumpur's current API reading is 170, placing it among the world's most polluted cities, behind only Singapore. Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto has agreed to address the haze issue, though specifics were not provided.",
  "summary": "Toxic smoke from forest fires in Indonesia has pushed air pollution to unhealthy levels, prompting authorities in Malaysia to take emergency measures.",
  "key_points": [
    "Malaysian schools closed due to toxic haze from Indonesian fires.",
    "Education Minister monitors haze situation, takes necessary actions.",
    "Kuala Lumpur API reading 170, among world's most polluted cities."
  ],
  "editors_take": "Malaysia's decision to shut schools shows authorities are prioritizing public health over routine activities as air quality deteriorates due to cross-border pollution from Indonesia.",
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 2,
    "also_reported_by": [
      {
        "outlet": "DW English (Top Stories)",
        "title": "Malaysia shuts schools amid toxic haze from Indonesian fires",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/10/09/malaysia-shuts-schools-amid-toxic-haze-from-indonesian-fires-13049912",
        "published": "2026-10-09T06:39:00.000Z"
      }
    ]
  },
  "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."
}