{
  "id": 15539096,
  "title": "Haze persists in central, southern peninsula",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/10/19/haze-persists-in-central-southern-peninsula",
  "topic": "world",
  "section": "World",
  "published": "2026-10-19T01:42:48.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "Free Malaysia Today",
    "slug": "free-malaysia-today-freemalays",
    "url": "https://www.freemalaysiatoday.com/category/nation/2026/10/19/haze-persists-in-central-southern-peninsula"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "Haze persists in central and southern Peninsular Malaysia as the country enters its third month of transboundary haze, according to readings recorded this morning. Johan Setia in Selangor reported the highest air pollutant index (API) reading of 172, indicating unhealthy air quality. Klang Valley locations such as Batu Muda, Petaling Jaya, Klang, Banting, Cheras, Putrajaya, and Shah Alam also recorded high API readings ranging from 154 to 162. In Negeri Sembilan, Nilai led with 168, followed by Seremban at 164 and Port Dickson at 153. Melaka reported API readings of 168 in Bukit Rambai, 165 in Alor Gajah, and 164 in Bandaraya Melaka. Johor's Tangkak recorded 164, Pasir Gudang 162, Batu Pahat 158, Kota Tinggi 157, Kluang and Larkin 153 each, and Pengerang 132. Up north, Rompin in Pahang recorded 158, while Kuantan's Indera Mahkota read 149. Perak's Seri Manjung reported 115, and Sarawak's IPD Serian, Kuching, and Samarahan recorded 153, 152, and 128, respectively. Thirty-eight areas nationwide experienced moderate air quality, while Balik Pulau in Penang, Tanah Merah in Kelantan, and Limbang in Sarawak enjoyed good air quality. The haze, caused by forest fires in Indonesia, has been affecting Malaysia since August 8. Deputy Natural Resources and Environmental Sustainability Minister Syed Ibrahim Syed Noh stated that the haze is expected to gradually subside over the next two weeks due to changing wind patterns. However, he emphasized that weather conditions alone cannot provide a long-term solution and highlighted the need for stronger domestic enforcement and regional cooperation to address the issue.",
  "summary": "Johan Setia recorded an API reading of 172 at 9am as Malaysia enters its third month of transboundary haze.",
  "key_points": [],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 2,
    "also_reported_by": [
      {
        "outlet": "Free Malaysia Today",
        "title": "Haze persists in central, southern peninsula",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/10/19/haze-persists-in-central-southern-peninsula-15542593",
        "published": "2026-10-19T01:42:48.000Z"
      }
    ]
  },
  "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."
}