{
  "id": 3287563,
  "title": "NST Leader: Rise and rise of haze hotspots",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/08/25/nst-leader-rise-and-rise-of-haze-hotspots",
  "topic": "world",
  "section": "World",
  "published": "2026-08-25T15:04:51.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "New Straits Times",
    "slug": "new-straits-times",
    "url": "https://www.nst.com.my/opinion/leaders/2026/08/1518725/nst-leader-rise-and-rise-haze-hotspots"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "Malaysia has experienced numerous haze crises, with the 2015 episode being particularly devastating. Despite Asean having a framework since 2002 to address transboundary haze pollution, the problem persists. In Malaysia, Serian in Sarawak recorded the highest Air Pollutant Index (API) reading of 192, while other locations in the state are also reporting among the worst readings. In Peninsular Malaysia, 13 locations are grappling with unhealthy air conditions due to transboundary haze originating from Indonesia. Prevailing winds from Kalimantan and Sumatra in Indonesia have facilitated the haze's reach into Sarawak and several western coast locations. While Asean has established monitoring mechanisms, firefighting efforts, and promoted joint cooperation, Indonesia bears the primary responsibility for the fires, which predominantly occur in Sumatra and Kalimantan. Indonesian authorities acknowledge that many fires result from land clearing and agricultural activities. Although Jakarta has taken steps like firefighting operations and issuing warnings, these measures are reactive rather than preventive. Malaysia cannot combat fires in Indonesia, but it can work with Jakarta to prevent them. One potential solution is joint cloud-seeding operations, though even this is not considered an ideal preventive measure. The critical issue lies in why Indonesian authorities allow fires to escalate into massive peatland and forest fires before taking decisive action. Instead of treating fires as natural disasters, Indonesia should identify and prosecute those responsible, particularly commercial interests, rather than accepting recurring transboundary pollution as an unavoidable consequence of its dry season.",
  "summary": "MALAYSIA has lived through repeated haze crises, particularly the disastrous 2015 episode, and Asean has had more than two decades to build a mechanism to prevent a repeat.",
  "key_points": [],
  "editors_take": null,
  "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."
}