{
  "id": 14567156,
  "title": "ASEAN urged to take extra measures on regional haze amid rising health concerns",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/10/14/asean-urged-to-take-extra-measures-on-regional-haze-amid-rising",
  "topic": "world",
  "section": "World",
  "published": "2026-10-14T23:59:41.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "The Jakarta Post",
    "slug": "the-jakarta-post",
    "url": "https://www.thejakartapost.com/world/2026/10/15/asean-urged-to-take-extra-measures-on-regional-haze-amid-rising-health-concerns.html"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "ASEAN nations are being urged to implement tougher measures to combat the rising issue of transboundary haze that is causing significant health concerns across the region. The haze, originating from wildfires in Indonesia, has led to a decline in air quality, particularly affecting regions like Malaysia.\n\nResident Evelyn Toh, 54, who lives in Selangor, Malaysia, describes the current haze as the worst she has witnessed in recent years. The pollution has caused visibility issues, with her being unable to see traffic lights more than 100 meters ahead while driving. Additionally, the toxic pollution has led to various respiratory issues for her friends and herself, including an itchy throat, nose, and eyes. Evelyn's elderly parents are also affected, with declining air quality impacting their breathing.\n\nWith several regions in Malaysia reporting unhealthy air quality levels, the pressure is mounting on both the Indonesian government and ASEAN to take proactive steps to address this transboundary haze problem. The situation highlights the urgent need for cooperation and action to protect the health and well-being of people living in the affected regions.",
  "summary": "Toxic transboundary haze makes Petailing Jaya in Malaysia look like it is in misty highlands despite being located less than 100 meters above sea level, says a resident.",
  "key_points": [
    "ASEAN urged to implement tougher measures against transboundary haze",
    "Haze causes severe health issues, particularly in Malaysia",
    "Indonesian wildfires and ASEAN cooperation needed to address problem"
  ],
  "editors_take": "Escalating respiratory issues and visibility hazards force regional leaders to prioritize collective environmental accountability over individual national interests to protect the well-being of citizens across Southeast Asia.",
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "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."
}