{
  "id": 649868,
  "title": "Got haze health worries? Ministry steps up monitoring, medical readiness",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/08/12/got-haze-health-worries-ministry-steps-up-monitoring-medical-readiness",
  "topic": "world",
  "section": "World",
  "published": "2026-08-12T09:33:24.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "Malay Mail",
    "slug": "malay-mail-malaymail",
    "url": "https://www.malaymail.com/news/malaysia/2026/08/12/got-haze-health-worries-ministry-steps-up-monitoring-medical-readiness/231095"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "PUTRAJAYA, Aug 12 — Malaysia's Health Ministry (MOH) is intensifying monitoring of haze-related illnesses in hospitals after 10 locations reported unhealthy Air Pollutant Index (API) readings, with nine in Sarawak and one in Selangor. The ministry clarified these preparedness measures during a statement on Aug 12, emphasizing the augmentation of medical provisions, health service availability, and personnel readiness.\n\nAccording to the Air Pollutant Index Management System (APIMS) at 9 am yesterday, the nine Sarawak locations with unhealthy API readings included Serian, Samarahan, Kuching, Bintulu, Samalaju, Mukah, Sibu, Sarikei, and Sri Aman. The additional area was Johan Setia in Selangor.\n\nThe MOH advised the public, especially those residing in affected regions, to limit strenuous outdoor activities when the API surpasses 100 and to wear suitable face masks if they must venture outside. Educational institutions, government agencies, and private companies were urged to observe API readings and modify outdoor activities based on the air quality level.\n\nActivities such as outdoor sports, co-curricular events, and strenuous physical exercises were discouraged or moved indoors in areas where the API exceeded 100. The public was further instructed to keep windows and doors closed to limit polluted air entry, to drink ample water, and to pay particular attention to children, the elderly, and individuals with chronic health conditions.\n\nMoreover, the MOH cautioned against engaging in open burning, as this action could exacerbate air quality issues and heighten health risks associated with haze exposure.",
  "summary": "PUTRAJAYA, Aug 12 — The Health Ministry (MOH) is strengthening surveillance of haze-related illnesses at health fa...",
  "key_points": [
    "Malaysia's Health Ministry intensifies monitoring of haze-related illnesses.",
    "Nine Sarawak locations and one in Selangor reported unhealthy Air Pollutant Index readings.",
    "Public advised to limit outdoor activities and wear suitable face masks."
  ],
  "editors_take": "The Health Ministry's stepped-up monitoring and medical readiness reflect a more proactive approach to mitigating haze-related health impacts, particularly for vulnerable populations such as children and those with chronic conditions.",
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 2,
    "also_reported_by": [
      {
        "outlet": "Antara News Indonesia",
        "title": "Defense Ministry maps out eight steps to expedite drone development",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/08/12/defense-ministry-maps-out-eight-steps-to-expedite-drone-development",
        "published": "2026-08-12T11:40:26.000Z"
      }
    ]
  },
  "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."
}