{
  "id": 3369318,
  "title": "Penang schools to halt outdoor activities if API reading tops 100",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/08/25/penang-schools-to-halt-outdoor-activities-if-api-reading-tops-100",
  "topic": "world",
  "section": "World",
  "published": "2026-08-25T22:40:15.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "New Straits Times",
    "slug": "new-straits-times",
    "url": "https://www.nst.com.my/news/nation/2026/08/1518754/penang-schools-halt-outdoor-activities-if-api-reading-tops-100"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "Penang schools have been instructed to suspend outdoor activities if the Air Pollutant Index (API) reading surpasses 100, as part of the state's haze preparedness measures. Schools must also cease operations immediately if the API reading exceeds 200, according to the state Education Department.\n\nOn Monday, up to 9pm, Penang was among 28 locations with unhealthy API levels. The department emphasized its commitment to the safety, health, and well-being of students and education personnel. They are closely monitoring haze conditions and API readings across the state.\n\nSchools are required to monitor official API readings from the Department of Environment and ensure students stay hydrated and limit exposure to outdoor air. Special attention should be given to students with health issues, who should be referred to nearby healthcare facilities with parents or guardians notified. The department also advised students and staff to wear face masks as a precautionary measure.\n\nSchools are instructed to keep parents and guardians informed of any changes to school operations or haze-related directives through open communication. They must report their actions to district education offices and the state Education Department to aid in monitoring and coordination.\n\nAn API reading range of zero to 50 is deemed good, 51 to 100 moderate, 101 to 200 unhealthy, 201 to 300 very unhealthy, and above 300 hazardous.",
  "summary": "Your browser does not support the audio element.",
  "key_points": [],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 2,
    "also_reported_by": [
      {
        "outlet": "New Straits Times",
        "title": "Penang schools ready for PdPR if API hits 200 amid haze",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/08/26/penang-schools-ready-for-pdpr-if-api-hits-200-amid-haze",
        "published": "2026-08-26T01:10:19.000Z"
      }
    ]
  },
  "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."
}