{
  "id": 3404279,
  "title": "Air pollution worsens as 19 areas record unhealthy readings",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/08/26/air-pollution-worsens-as-19-areas-record-unhealthy-readings",
  "topic": "world",
  "section": "World",
  "published": "2026-08-26T02:08:00.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "The Vibes",
    "slug": "the-vibes",
    "url": "https://www.thevibes.com/articles/news/126576/air-pollution-worsens-as-19-areas-record-unhealthy-readings"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "Malaysia experienced worsening air quality on August 26, 2026, as 19 areas recorded unhealthy Air Pollutant Index (API) readings, according to data from the Air Pollutant Index Management System (APIMS). The highest reading nationwide was in Serian, Sarawak, at 168. Three areas in Sarawak, including Serian, Samarahan, and Kuching, had API readings of 168, 167, and 108, respectively. Several areas in Negeri Sembilan, such as Nilai and Seremban, also recorded unhealthy readings of 162 and 159. In the Klang Valley, Johan Setia (160), Shah Alam (159), Klang (152), Banting (150), and Petaling Jaya (122) showed unhealthy API levels. Putrajaya recorded an API of 160, and Batu Muda in Kuala Lumpur was the only affected monitoring station there with a reading of 152. Two areas in Johor, Tangkak (153) and Segamat (103), and one in Melaka, Bukit Rambai (151), also had unhealthy API readings. Perak's only affected area was Taiping, with a reading of 116. Nationally, only Kangar in Perlis and Langkawi in Kedah reported good air quality, with API readings of 50 or below. The remaining 47 areas recorded moderate API levels. The API, updated hourly, helps the public assess air quality through official channels like the Department of Environment's EQMS portal and the MyJAS EQMS application.",
  "summary": "AIR quality deteriorated across several parts of Malaysia this morning, with 19 areas recording unhealthy Air Pollutant Index (API) readings as of 8am. Data from the Air Pollutant Index Management System (APIMS) showed that three affected areas were ...",
  "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."
}