{
  "id": 4838926,
  "title": "Vulnerable groups urged to avoid outdoor activities as Sabah haze hits 4 areas",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/09/01/vulnerable-groups-urged-to-avoid-outdoor-activities-as-sabah-haze",
  "topic": "world",
  "section": "World",
  "published": "2026-09-01T10:22:30.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "New Straits Times",
    "slug": "new-straits-times",
    "url": "https://www.nst.com.my/news/regional/2026/09/1523635/vulnerable-groups-urged-avoid-outdoor-activities-sabah-haze-hits-4"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "KOTA KINABALU, Sabah - Authorities have cautioned vulnerable individuals to refrain from outdoor activities amid unhealthy air quality conditions in multiple regions. The Sabah State Disaster Management Committee reported the Media and Communications Office of the Chief Minister's Department identified four areas with unhealthy Air Pollutant Index (API) readings as of 5pm today. Kota Kinabalu topped the list with an API of 177, followed by Kimanis (166), Keningau (165) and Tawau (153). The committee warned children, older adults, pregnant women and those with respiratory issues to avoid strenuous activities. Those needing to be outdoors are advised to wear appropriate masks, stay hydrated and clean hygiene practices post-exposure. Symptoms like coughing, breathing trouble, or chest pain necessitate immediate medical attention at the nearest facility. The public is also urged to ensure proper indoor ventilation to reduce exposure. The State Disaster Management Committee emphasized avoiding open burning and regularly monitoring API readings and advisories from the Department of Environment and health authorities. They pledged continued monitoring and urged the public to take necessary precautions to mitigate health risks from polluted air.",
  "summary": "KOTA KINABALU: The Sabah State Disaster Management Committee (JPBN) has advised vulnerable groups to avoid outdoor activities following unhealthy air quality recorded in several areas of the state.",
  "key_points": [],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 3,
    "also_reported_by": [
      {
        "outlet": "New Straits Times",
        "title": "Sabah sports urged to scale back outdoor activities as API worsens",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/09/01/sabah-sports-urged-to-scale-back-outdoor-activities-as-api-worsens",
        "published": "2026-09-01T05:40:15.000Z"
      },
      {
        "outlet": "Malay Mail",
        "title": "Sabah disaster committee urges public to limit outdoor activities as four districts record unhealthy API",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/09/01/sabah-disaster-committee-urges-public-to-limit-outdoor-activities-as",
        "published": "2026-09-01T06:38:10.000Z"
      }
    ]
  },
  "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."
}