{
  "id": 13926533,
  "title": "Govt to push ASEAN for stronger action on transboundary haze as schools shut across four states",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/10/12/govt-to-push-asean-for-stronger-action-on-transboundary-haze-as",
  "topic": "world",
  "section": "World",
  "published": "2026-10-12T10:05:00.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "The Vibes",
    "slug": "the-vibes",
    "url": "https://www.thevibes.com/articles/news/128261/govt-to-push-asean-for-stronger-action-on-transboundary-haze-as-schools-shut-across-four-states"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "Foreign Minister Datuk Seri Mohamad Hasan has declared that transboundary haze will be a focal point for ASEAN to address, as schools in four Malaysian states are set to close due to poor air quality. Haze is not currently classified as a natural disaster under existing ASEAN mechanisms, creating a gap in the region's response to the recurring issue. Mohamad expressed his intention to personally raise the matter with ASEAN counterparts during an upcoming meeting. He also contacted his Indonesian counterpart, Arrmanatha Nasir, to gather updates on Indonesia's firefighting efforts, which have been hampered by poor visibility. Indonesia is currently deploying 60,000 personnel for ground operations, but visibility is so low that aerial firefighting is unsafe. Mohamad acknowledged Indonesia's efforts but expressed hope for more effective measures to tackle the haze issue, which is impacting public health across the region. Meanwhile, Education Minister Fadhlina Sidek announced that schools in Johor, Melaka, Negeri Sembilan, Putrajaya, Hulu Langat, Petaling Perdana, Kuala Langat, Sepang, Kuantan, Rompin (Selangor and Pahang districts), and several other states will be closed tomorrow due to the haze. Schools in the remaining areas will remain open.",
  "summary": "THE Government will press ASEAN to establish a more effective regional mechanism to tackle transboundary haze, as deteriorating air quality forces schools in several states and federal territories to close tomorrow. Foreign Minister Datuk Seri Mohama...",
  "key_points": [
    "Transboundary haze to be ASEAN focus amid school closures",
    "Haze not classified as natural disaster in ASEAN mechanisms",
    "Mohamad to raise issue with ASEAN counterparts during meeting"
  ],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 2,
    "also_reported_by": [
      {
        "outlet": "Antara News Indonesia",
        "title": "Indonesia pledges ASEAN cooperative push for food security",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/10/12/indonesia-pledges-asean-cooperative-push-for-food-security",
        "published": "2026-10-12T09:58:05.000Z"
      }
    ]
  },
  "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."
}