{
  "id": 5883892,
  "title": "Haze: All sports events must comply with govt guidelines — Taufiq",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/09/06/haze-all-sports-events-must-comply-with-govt-guidelines-taufiq",
  "topic": "world",
  "section": "World",
  "published": "2026-09-06T01:53:38.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "New Straits Times",
    "slug": "new-straits-times",
    "url": "https://www.nst.com.my/news/nation/2026/09/1526666/haze-all-sports-events-must-comply-govt-guidelines-%E2%80%94-taufiq"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "GEORGE TOWN: The Malaysian government has mandated that all sports events taking place during the present haze must adhere to government guidelines aimed at protecting the health and safety of athletes. Youth and Sports Minister Dr Mohammed Taufiq Johari revealed that the ministry is constantly monitoring the Air Pollutant Index (API), sourced from the Natural Resources and Environmental Sustainability Ministry and other relevant bodies. He emphasized that athletes who train outdoors must follow the guidelines, especially when API readings indicate unhealthy conditions. The ministry maintains regular contact with the National Sports Institute and National Sports Council to ensure the well-being of athletes, particularly as the Asian Games approach rapidly. Taufiq, speaking to reporters after the flag-off ceremony for the Oregon Tower Run Series at The TOP Atrium, stressed that athletes engaged in outdoor training must comply with the guidelines to prevent any accidents. Earlier, Taufiq participated in the tower run himself, reaching the 22nd floor in just six minutes and 30 seconds. The event, which culminated on the 68th floor of The TOP Komtar, saw 343 participants competing. In Serian, Sarawak, where API readings have reached hazardous levels, Taufiq stated that outdoor activities in red-zone areas would be prohibited. However, sports activities could proceed in regions where API readings are deemed safe or moderate. He also noted that proposed sports events would need to be approved by the ministry, with decisions hinging on government guidelines and the API status of each area. On Thursday, King Sultan Ibrahim granted a state of emergency for the Serian division due to hazardous hazy conditions.",
  "summary": "GEORGE TOWN: The government has directed all sports events held during the current haze to comply with established guidelines to safeguard athletes’ health and safety.",
  "key_points": [
    "Malaysian government mandates sports events comply with health guidelines during haze.",
    "Youth and Sports Minister monitors API from multiple sources.",
    "Outdoor athletes must follow guidelines to prevent accidents."
  ],
  "editors_take": "The government's mandate for sports events to follow health guidelines during the haze means athletes and event organisers must now prioritise safety over competition, with authorities taking a more active role in approvals and monitoring.",
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 2,
    "also_reported_by": [
      {
        "outlet": "Bernama",
        "title": "Sport : All Sports Events During Haze Must Comply With Gov't Guidelines - Taufiq",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/09/06/sport-all-sports-events-during-haze-must-comply-with-govt-guidelines",
        "published": "2026-09-06T00:01:25.000Z"
      }
    ]
  },
  "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."
}