{
  "id": 15676552,
  "title": "Haze spreads as 29 areas hit unhealthy air levels, raising health concerns",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/10/20/haze-spreads-as-29-areas-hit-unhealthy-air-levels-raising-health",
  "topic": "world",
  "section": "World",
  "published": "2026-10-20T00:32:00.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "The Vibes",
    "slug": "the-vibes",
    "url": "https://www.thevibes.com/articles/news/128541/haze-spreads-as-29-areas-hit-unhealthy-air-levels-raising-health-concerns"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "Malaysians in 29 areas across Malaysia are facing unhealthy air quality due to intensifying haze, with Batu Muda in Kuala Lumpur recording the highest air pollution index (API) of 172. The Malaysian Air Pollutant Index Management System (APIMS) data shows Johan Setia in Selangor, Petaling Jaya, Shah Alam, Nilai, and Cheras all recording API readings above 163. Additional affected locations include Bukit Rambai in Melaka, Klang in Selangor, Putrajaya, Seremban in Negeri Sembilan, Banting and Larkin in Johor, Pasir Gudang, Tasek in Ipoh, and Paka in Terengganu. The widespread deterioration raises concerns for vulnerable groups such as children, older people, and those with respiratory conditions, who are advised to limit outdoor activities and take precautions against haze exposure. API readings range from 0-50 (good), 51-100 (moderate), 101-200 (unhealthy), 201-300 (very unhealthy), and above 300 (hazardous).",
  "summary": "MALAYSIANS in 29 areas nationwide are facing unhealthy air quality as haze intensifies, with Batu Muda in Kuala Lumpur recording the highest air pollution index (API) reading of 172 as of 7am today. Data from the Malaysian Air Pollutant Index Managem...",
  "key_points": [
    "29 Malaysian areas experience unhealthy air quality due to haze.",
    "Batu Muda in Kuala Lumpur records highest API of 172.",
    "Vulnerable groups advised to limit outdoor activities."
  ],
  "editors_take": "The widespread deterioration of air quality across twenty-nine areas places vulnerable populations at immediate risk and necessitates urgent lifestyle adjustments to mitigate the health impacts of intensifying haze.",
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 4,
    "also_reported_by": [
      {
        "outlet": "New Straits Times",
        "title": "Haze: Batu Muda, Johan Setia among 29 areas with unhealthy air quality",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/10/20/haze-batu-muda-johan-setia-among-29-areas-with-unhealthy-air-quality",
        "published": "2026-10-20T01:11:40.000Z"
      },
      {
        "outlet": "Free Malaysia Today",
        "title": "Batu Muda, Johan Setia top list of areas with unhealthy air quality",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/10/20/batu-muda-johan-setia-top-list-of-areas-with-unhealthy-air-quality",
        "published": "2026-10-20T03:06:45.000Z"
      },
      {
        "outlet": "Malay Mail",
        "title": "Malaysia haze: 30 areas record unhealthy API readings as of 9am; Batu Muda in KL and Johan Setia in Selangor highest",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/10/20/malaysia-haze-30-areas-record-unhealthy-api-readings-as-of-9am-batu",
        "published": "2026-10-20T03:34:53.000Z"
      }
    ]
  },
  "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."
}