{
  "id": 15318204,
  "title": "25 areas still with unhealthy air quality",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/10/18/25-areas-still-with-unhealthy-air-quality-15318204",
  "topic": "world",
  "section": "World",
  "published": "2026-10-18T00:29:21.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "Free Malaysia Today",
    "slug": "free-malaysia-today",
    "url": "https://www.freemalaysiatoday.com/category/nation/2026/10/18/25-areas-still-with-unhealthy-air-quality"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "This morning, the air quality in 25 areas across the country remained unhealthy due to ongoing haze, according to the air pollutant index (API) readings. Johor faced the most severe impact, with six locations ranking within the top 10 for API readings, including Pasir Gudang, which recorded the highest reading of 190. Other affected areas in Johor included Larkin (181), Kota Tinggi (180), Pengerang (178), Batu Pahat (169), and Kluang (163). In Negeri Sembilan, Nilai had an API reading of 173, while Seremban and Port Dickson recorded 170 and 153, respectively. Bukit Rambai in Melaka and Alor Gajah and Bandaraya Melaka in both Melaka and Seremban reported API readings of 164, 161, and 155, respectively. In Selangor, areas such as Johan Setia (163), Shah Alam (162), Klang (160), Petaling Jaya (158), and Banting (157) also experienced unhealthy air quality. Putrajaya had an API reading of 159, while Cheras, Kuala Lumpur, and Shah Alam had readings of 157. Only 41 areas nationwide were experiencing moderate air quality, with Limbang in Sarawak and Balik Pulau in Penang the only areas with good air quality. As a result, schools in Johor are set to remain closed for an additional five days starting from Monday due to the unhealthy air quality.",
  "summary": "Johor, where schools are closed, continues to be the worst-hit state as of 8am today.",
  "key_points": [],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 2,
    "also_reported_by": [
      {
        "outlet": "Free Malaysia Today",
        "title": "25 areas still with unhealthy air quality",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/10/18/25-areas-still-with-unhealthy-air-quality",
        "published": "2026-10-18T00:29:21.000Z"
      }
    ]
  },
  "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."
}