{
  "id": 4385997,
  "title": "Sarawak Rivers Board warns Rajang journeys perilous as haze blinds boatmen, drought shrinks channels",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/08/30/sarawak-rivers-board-warns-rajang-journeys-perilous-as-haze-blinds",
  "topic": "world",
  "section": "World",
  "published": "2026-08-30T09:01:04.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "Malay Mail",
    "slug": "malay-mail",
    "url": "https://www.malaymail.com/news/malaysia/2026/08/30/thick-haze-blankets-rajang-igan-rivers-as-drought-shrinks-channels-sarawak-rivers-board-issues-alert/233299"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "Sarawak Rivers Board chairperson Dr Safiee Ahmad has cautioned river transport users in the state to exercise caution and meticulous planning due to the ongoing drought and haze affecting river conditions. The reduced river levels and visibility have significantly heightened the risks associated with river journeys. Dr Safiee emphasised the importance of avoiding night-time travel, as limited visibility, particularly at night, can lead to dangerous situations. He advised river users to lower the speed of their boats and vessels to prevent any potential danger to others on the water. The Sarawak Rivers Board (LSS) has been diligently monitoring the river conditions and taking enforcement actions through their divisions across Sarawak. River transport users are urged to stay updated with the latest river water level information and advisory services provided by the regional LSS offices, to ensure a safe journey on the rivers. Recent findings from a Bernama survey revealed that the Rajang River, Malaysia's longest river, and the Igan River are currently enveloped in thick haze, with API readings surpassing unhealthy levels.",
  "summary": "SIBU, Aug 30 — River transport users in Sarawak have been advised to plan their journeys carefully and exercise gr...",
  "key_points": [],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 4,
    "also_reported_by": [
      {
        "outlet": "New Straits Times",
        "title": "Haze: Public urged to reduce outdoor activities in Sarawak",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/08/30/haze-public-urged-to-reduce-outdoor-activities-in-sarawak",
        "published": "2026-08-30T06:53:37.000Z"
      },
      {
        "outlet": "Free Malaysia Today",
        "title": "Worsening haze in Sarawak prompts families to limit outdoor activities",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/08/30/worsening-haze-in-sarawak-prompts-families-to-limit-outdoor-activities",
        "published": "2026-08-30T07:55:00.000Z"
      },
      {
        "outlet": "Malay Mail",
        "title": "Sarawak Rivers Board warns Rajang journeys perilous as haze blinds boatmen, drought shrinks channels",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/08/30/sarawak-rivers-board-warns-rajang-journeys-perilous-as-haze-blinds-4387161",
        "published": "2026-08-30T09:01:04.000Z"
      }
    ]
  },
  "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."
}