{
  "id": 6075085,
  "title": "Haze: 40 areas record unhealthy API, Samarahan worst",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/09/07/haze-40-areas-record-unhealthy-api-samarahan-worst",
  "topic": "world",
  "section": "World",
  "published": "2026-09-07T01:02:00.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "The Vibes",
    "slug": "the-vibes",
    "url": "https://www.thevibes.com/articles/news/127025/haze-40-areas-record-unhealthy-api-samarahan-worst"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "On September 7, 2026, the Air Pollutant Index (API) revealed hazardous air quality in various regions across Malaysia. The Samarahan area in Sarawak experienced the most severe reading of 222, classified as \"very unhealthy.\" In contrast, 40 other areas nationwide recorded API levels in the unhealthy range, spanning from 101 to 200.\n\nEleven Sarawakian areas, including Sarikei, Kuching, Serian, and Sibu, reported API readings between 180 and 193. In the Klang Valley, nine locations, such as Johan Setia, Shah Alam, Kuala Selangor, Petaling Jaya, and Banting, all recorded API values exceeding 100, indicating unhealthy air quality. Additionally, three areas in Negeri Sembilan, namely Nilai, Seremban, and Port Dickson, joined this unhealthy category.\n\nMelaka also faced air pollution concerns, with the Bukit Rambai area registering an API of 154, alongside Alor Gajah and Melaka City. Perak faced similar issues, with Tanjung Malim, Seri Manjung, Tasek, and Pegoh all surpassing the unhealthy threshold of 200.\n\nPahang's Temerloh and Jerantut areas recorded API readings of 153 and 152, respectively. Johor reported readings of 157 in Segamat, Batu Pahat, Tangkak, and Kluang. Sabah reported unhealthy air quality in Kota Kinabalu and Kimanis, with a reading of 153.\n\nModerate air quality was observed in 24 areas nationwide, while only two regions were reported to have \"good\" air quality. The API reading scale ranges from zero to 50 (good), 51 to 100 (moderate), 101 to 200 (unhealthy), 201 to 300 (very unhealthy), and above 300 (hazardous).",
  "summary": "ONLY the Samarahan area, Sarawak, recorded an Air Pollutant Index (API) of very unhealthy with a reading of 222, as of 7 am this morning. Meanwhile, 40 other areas nationwide recorded an API at unhealthy levels. According to data from the Air Polluta...",
  "key_points": [
    "Samarahan in Sarawak recorded the highest API of 222, classified as very unhealthy.",
    "Moderate air quality was observed in 24 areas, while only two regions had good air quality."
  ],
  "editors_take": "Widespread unhealthy air quality across Malaysia signifies a concerning environmental trend, affecting various regions and implying significant public health implications for millions of residents nationwide.",
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 2,
    "also_reported_by": [
      {
        "outlet": "New Straits Times",
        "title": "Samarahan records very unhealthy API reading, 40 areas unhealthy",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/09/07/samarahan-records-very-unhealthy-api-reading-40-areas-unhealthy",
        "published": "2026-09-07T00:42:17.000Z"
      }
    ]
  },
  "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."
}