{
  "id": 7667541,
  "title": "40 districts nationwide record unhealthy air quality",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/09/16/40-districts-nationwide-record-unhealthy-air-quality",
  "topic": "world",
  "section": "World",
  "published": "2026-09-16T00:43:38.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "New Straits Times",
    "slug": "new-straits-times",
    "url": "https://www.nst.com.my/news/nation/2026/09/1533758/40-districts-nationwide-record-unhealthy-air-quality"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "Forty districts across Malaysia reported unhealthy air quality levels today, with Johan Setia in Selangor registering the highest reading of 182 on the Air Pollutant Index (API). Other severely impacted areas include Cheras in Kuala Lumpur, Nilai in Negri Sembilan, and Putrajaya, all registering API readings above 175. These affected regions are all situated in Peninsular Malaysia. Conversely, 23 districts in Sarawak and one in Sabah reported moderate air quality, primarily in the latter. Additionally, four districts in Sabah and Sarawak were noted to have good air quality levels. Hotspots in Kalimantan surged to 808, posing a heightened risk of transboundary haze if open burning in Indonesia continues. In contrast, there were 87 hotspots in Sumatra, 15 in Sabah and Sarawak, and one in Peninsular Malaysia.",
  "summary": "KUALA LUMPUR: A total of 40 districts nationwide recorded unhealthy air quality levels as of 8am today, with Johan Setia in Selangor registering the highest Air Pollutant Index (API) reading of 182.",
  "key_points": [
    "Forty districts in Malaysia recorded unhealthy air quality.",
    "Johan Setia in Selangor had the highest API reading of 182.",
    "Transboundary haze from Kalimantan posed heightened risk."
  ],
  "editors_take": "The widespread unhealthy air quality in Peninsular Malaysia contrasts with the relatively better air quality in eastern states, highlighting a regional disparity in pollution levels.",
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "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."
}