{
  "id": 15357996,
  "title": "Haze threatens RM1b monthly hit to Malaysia’s economy",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/10/18/haze-threatens-rm1b-monthly-hit-to-malaysias-economy",
  "topic": "world",
  "section": "World",
  "published": "2026-10-18T05:39:00.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "The Vibes",
    "slug": "the-vibes",
    "url": "https://www.thevibes.com/articles/opinion/128486/haze-threatens-rm1b-monthly-hit-to-malaysias-economy"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "A haze episode could inflict up to RM1 billion in monthly economic damage for Malaysia, according to MARC Ratings chief economist Dr Ray Choy. The haze's consequences, which transcend public health, stem from diminished outdoor activities and dwindling consumer confidence, potentially dampening spending and business operations, he said. The possible monthly GDP loss of RM1 billion serves as a stark reminder of how recurring haze can impede economic growth, as decreased outdoor pursuits and more circumspect consumer behavior affect industries reliant on mobility and discretionary spending. Choy emphasized the need for continued collaboration among Asian nations to effectively manage cross-border haze, citing Malaysia's commitment to working with Singapore, especially given Singapore's upcoming ASEAN chairmanship in 2027. By mitigating haze-related economic losses, Malaysia could bolster its GDP growth, Choy added.",
  "summary": "Haze could cost Malaysia up to RM1 billion in gross domestic product (GDP) every month. According to MARC Ratings chief economist Dr Ray Choy, the haze threatens spending and business activity due to weaker consumer sentiment and reduced outdoor activity.\n\nThe haze crisis has led to school closures in Malaysia. According to The Independent Singapore, Syahganda Nainggolan, the chief of Indonesia’s government communications agency, faced criticism after describing the haze as a natural phenomenon rather than human error and stating that Indonesia's forests provide oxygen to Singapore and Malaysia when there are no fires. In response to the situation, Malaysia has offered Indonesia firefighting assistance and requested an urgent ASEAN meeting regarding the crisis.",
  "key_points": [],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 4,
    "also_reported_by": [
      {
        "outlet": "The Vibes",
        "title": "Johor hotspots lead Malaysia’s haze tally as 25 localities record unhealthy air",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/10/18/johor-hotspots-lead-malaysias-haze-tally-as-25-localities-record",
        "published": "2026-10-18T00:04:00.000Z"
      },
      {
        "outlet": "The Independent Singapore",
        "title": "‘We send oxygen to Singapore and Malaysia when there’s no smoke from our forests’ — Indonesia’s communications agency chief comes under fire for haze crisis remark: ‘It’s a natural phenomenon, not human error’",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/10/18/we-send-oxygen-to-singapore-and-malaysia-when-theres-no-smoke-from",
        "published": "2026-10-18T03:00:13.000Z"
      },
      {
        "outlet": "Malay Mail",
        "title": "Smoking SMRT bus in Singapore’s Punggol revives questions over Mercedes-Benz Citaro fire incidents",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/10/18/smoking-smrt-bus-in-singapores-punggol-revives-questions-over",
        "published": "2026-10-18T07:13:20.000Z"
      }
    ]
  },
  "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."
}