{
  "id": 5684930,
  "title": "DOE raises monitoring and enforcement to highest level after Serian haze emergency declared",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/09/05/doe-raises-monitoring-and-enforcement-to-highest-level-after-serian",
  "topic": "world",
  "section": "World",
  "published": "2026-09-05T01:06:26.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "Malay Mail",
    "slug": "malay-mail",
    "url": "https://www.malaymail.com/news/malaysia/2026/09/05/doe-raises-monitoring-and-enforcement-to-highest-level-after-serian-haze-emergency-declared/233977"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": null,
  "summary": "The Department of Environment (DOE) in Malaysia has raised its monitoring and enforcement measures to the highest level following the declaration of a haze emergency in the Serian Division, Sarawak. The Air Pollutant Index (API) in the area reached a hazardous level of 477, prompting the DOE to strengthen its monitoring and field operations in line with the National Haze Action Plan (NHAP) and NADMA Directive No. 1. The department is working in an integrated manner with the National Disaster Management Agency (NADMA), the state government, and relevant agencies to manage the disaster effectively. In addition to Serian, three other areas in Sarawak recorded API readings at the very unhealthy level, while 18 other areas nationwide recorded unhealthy API readings. The DOE has intensified its Open Burning Prevention Operation (OMPT) through focused patrols at high-risk locations, and is closely monitoring peatland bush fires in Mukah. The public is urged to report any fire or open burning incidents to the Malaysian Fire and Rescue Department or the DOE's toll-free line to enable immediate action.",
  "key_points": [],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 3,
    "also_reported_by": [
      {
        "outlet": "Free Malaysia Today",
        "title": "Serian air quality improves after emergency declaration",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/09/05/serian-air-quality-improves-after-emergency-declaration",
        "published": "2026-09-05T03:20:00.000Z"
      },
      {
        "outlet": "Malay Mail",
        "title": "Serian haze eases slightly, but API remains hazardous at 390 at 7am; Kuching, Tebedu, Lundu remain at very unhealthy levels",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/09/05/serian-haze-eases-slightly-but-api-remains-hazardous-at-390-at-7am",
        "published": "2026-09-05T03:21:29.000Z"
      }
    ]
  },
  "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."
}