{
  "id": 5768618,
  "title": "Sarawak haze crisis prompts nationwide plea to stop open burning, shield schools and businesses",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/09/05/sarawak-haze-crisis-prompts-nationwide-plea-to-stop-open-burning",
  "topic": "world",
  "section": "World",
  "published": "2026-09-05T11:36:39.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "Malay Mail",
    "slug": "malay-mail-malaymail",
    "url": "https://www.malaymail.com/news/malaysia/2026/09/05/sarawak-haze-crisis-prompts-nationwide-plea-to-stop-open-burning-shield-schools-and-businesses/234070"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "Sarawak is facing a critical haze crisis, prompting a nationwide plea to halt open burning activities and safeguard public health and daily life. Special Select Committee on Infrastructure, Transportation and Communication chairman Datuk Yusuf Abd Wahab urged all parties to cease open burning, including rubbish disposal and forest clearing, until the situation improves. The emergency declaration in Serian Division by Malaysia's Sultan Ibrahim underscored the urgency of precautionary measures. Yusuf emphasized the need to prevent the haze from further disrupting daily activities, with schools and numerous premises already forced to close. He reminded the public to wear face masks outdoors to mitigate health risks from the haze. The Tanjung Manis Parliamentary Class B2 Driving Licence Assistance Programme, organized by the Tanjung Manis Parliamentary Service Centre and JPJ Sarikei Branch, highlighted the government's commitment to supporting low-income groups, particularly in rural areas, by helping them obtain valid driving licenses at reduced costs.",
  "summary": "SARIKEI, Sept 5 — All parties are urged to refrain from open burning activities to prevent the haze situation in S...",
  "key_points": [],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 2,
    "also_reported_by": [
      {
        "outlet": "Malay Mail",
        "title": "Haze affects tourist arrivals and upcoming events in Sarawak, says state minister",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/09/05/haze-affects-tourist-arrivals-and-upcoming-events-in-sarawak-says",
        "published": "2026-09-05T08:34:51.000Z"
      }
    ]
  },
  "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."
}