{
  "id": 3143760,
  "title": "Haze crisis deepens as 19 areas across Malaysia record unhealthy air",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/08/25/haze-crisis-deepens-as-19-areas-across-malaysia-record-unhealthy-air",
  "topic": "world",
  "section": "World",
  "published": "2026-08-25T00:09:00.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "The Vibes",
    "slug": "the-vibes",
    "url": "https://www.thevibes.com/articles/news/126544/haze-crisis-deepens-as-19-areas-across-malaysia-record-unhealthy-air"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "Malaysia's air quality has deteriorated significantly, with 19 regions observing unhealthy Air Pollutant Index (API) levels, according to data from the Malaysian Air Pollutant Index Management System (APIMS) as of 6pm yesterday. Serian in Sarawak recorded the highest reading of 191, just nine points shy of reaching the \"very unhealthy\" category. Nearby Sarawakian towns of Kuching, Samarahan, Sri Aman, Bintulu, and Mukah also posted unhealthy API readings of 181, 173, 155, 142, and 141, respectively. In Selangor and the Federal Territories, Johan Setia topped the unhealthy list with an API of 162, followed by Shah Alam at 113, Cheras at 109, and Putrajaya and Kuala Selangor each at 108. Northern states like Kedah and Perak reported readings of 154 and 148 in Sungai Petani and Seri Manjung, respectively, while Tanjung Malim recorded 101. Bukit Rambai in Melaka and Kota Tinggi in Johor logged API readings of 104 and 107. Authorities have advised the public to limit outdoor activities and wear face masks if venturing into open spaces for extended periods.",
  "summary": "MALAYSIA’S haze situation has worsened, with 19 areas across the country recording unhealthy Air Pollutant Index (API) readings as of 6pm yesterday, with Serian in Sarawak registering the highest reading of 191. The reading places Serian just nine po...",
  "key_points": [
    "19 Malaysian regions record unhealthy air quality API levels",
    "Serian in Sarawak reports highest API of 191, near 'very unhealthy' threshold",
    "Authorities recommend limiting outdoor activities and wearing face masks"
  ],
  "editors_take": "The widespread deterioration of air quality across Malaysia, with nearly a fifth of regions now recording unhealthy levels, prompts public health warnings and lifestyle adjustments for residents.",
  "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."
}