{
  "id": 7553563,
  "title": "King, Queen urge Malaysians to wear masks amid haze",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/09/15/king-queen-urge-malaysians-to-wear-masks-amid-haze",
  "topic": "world",
  "section": "World",
  "published": "2026-09-15T12:24:52.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "New Straits Times",
    "slug": "new-straits-times",
    "url": "https://www.nst.com.my/news/nation/2026/09/1533527/king-queen-urge-malaysians-wear-masks-amid-haze"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "Malaysia's King and Queen, Sultan Ibrahim and Raja Zarith Sofiah, have advised citizens to wear face masks and take precautions due to unhealthy air quality caused by the haze. In a statement on the Yang di-Pertuan Agong's official Facebook page, the monarchs explained that poor air quality can lead to various health issues, especially respiratory problems. They urged everyone, particularly senior citizens, children, those with respiratory conditions, and outdoor workers, to protect themselves from the effects of air pollution. Their Majesties also suggested reducing outdoor activities, particularly when Air Pollutant Index (API) readings reach unhealthy levels. The public was advised to stay hydrated, remain vigilant about official updates, and monitor daily API readings to ensure their health and that of their families. The haze is believed to have originated from fires in Kalimantan, carried by southwesterly winds to Sarawak, and has also affected parts of Peninsular Malaysia. According to the API scale, readings from 0 to 50 denote good air quality, 51 to 100 indicate moderate, 101 to 200 are unhealthy, 201 to 300 very unhealthy, and above 300 is hazardous.",
  "summary": "KUALA LUMPUR: Malaysia’s King and Queen, Their Majesties Sultan Ibrahim and Raja Zarith Sofiah, have advised the public to take precautions and wear face masks amid unhealthy air quality caused by the haze.",
  "key_points": [],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 2,
    "also_reported_by": [
      {
        "outlet": "Bernama",
        "title": "General : King, Queen Urge Malaysians To Wear Face Masks Amid Haze",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/09/15/general-king-queen-urge-malaysians-to-wear-face-masks-amid-haze",
        "published": "2026-09-15T11:58:04.000Z"
      }
    ]
  },
  "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."
}