{
  "id": 3968118,
  "title": "Indonesia says it’s working with Malaysia to tackle haze",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/08/28/indonesia-says-its-working-with-malaysia-to-tackle-haze-3968118",
  "topic": "world",
  "section": "World",
  "published": "2026-08-28T12:18:00.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "Free Malaysia Today",
    "slug": "free-malaysia-today-freemalays",
    "url": "https://www.freemalaysiatoday.com/category/nation/2026/08/28/indonesia-says-it-s-working-with-malaysia-to-tackle-haze"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "Indonesia has announced it is collaborating with Malaysia to address the worsening haze issue affecting Kalimantan, which is the most severe since 2024, according to the Malaysian consulate in Pontianak. The haze situation in Kalimantan has prompted weather modification operations along the border area, a measure currently under discussion between the two countries. The unhealthy air quality in Serian, Sarawak, has been attributed to smoke from forest and land fires in West Kalimantan, with air pollutant index (API) readings reaching a very unhealthy level of 195 or above. The Indonesian national disaster agency spokesman stated that bilateral talks have taken place, resulting in a commitment to enhance cooperation in prevention, monitoring, and support for weather modification operations. While Malaysia has expressed readiness to aid in firefighting efforts, Jakarta has not yet formally requested direct firefighting assets like water-bombing aircraft. However, the Indonesian government remains open to such cooperation. On August 24, Malaysia and Indonesia agreed to intensify prevention and firefighting measures following discussions between Arthur Joseph Kurup, the Malaysian natural resources and environmental sustainability minister, and Jumhur Hidayat, the Indonesian environment minister. Indonesia has granted Malaysia permission to enter its airspace to conduct cloud-seeding operations. The haze is now affecting several Malaysian states, including Kuala Lumpur, Selangor, Penang, Kedah, and Perak, all of which have reported unhealthy air quality readings. The Malaysian consulate in Pontianak is prioritizing the well-being of the 577 Malaysians registered in West Kalimantan due to the haze. Malaysia has previously supported local firefighting efforts in West Kalimantan, donating six water pumps to the governor's office in 2023.",
  "summary": "Unhealthy air quality readings from smoke pollution have been recorded in areas of Sarawak, Kuala Lumpur, Selangor, Penang, Kedah and Perak.",
  "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."
}