{
  "id": 7674384,
  "title": "Haze: Outdoor events may be moved indoors as 808 hotspots detected in Kalimantan",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/09/16/haze-outdoor-events-may-be-moved-indoors-as-808-hotspots-detected-in",
  "topic": "world",
  "section": "World",
  "published": "2026-09-16T01:24:54.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "New Straits Times",
    "slug": "new-straits-times",
    "url": "https://www.nst.com.my/news/nation/2026/09/1533790/haze-outdoor-events-may-be-moved-indoors-808-hotspots-detected"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "KOTA KINABALU - The Natural Resources and Environmental Sustainability Minister has warned that outdoor events in Kalimantan may need to be relocated indoors if air quality worsens due to the ongoing haze, according to a report from Kota Kinabalu. Minister Arthur Joseph Kurup emphasized the importance of reducing public exposure to polluted air, especially when Air Pollutant Index (API) readings reach unhealthy levels. He stated that appropriate measures would be implemented based on the current haze conditions and API readings, as per the Haze Action Plan and standard operating procedures. An example of this was seen during the Malaysia Day celebration in Kuching, which was moved indoors to the Borneo Convention Centre, with fireworks prohibited. The minister reiterated that conditions would be closely monitored and outdoor events adjusted accordingly. While conditions remain under control at green or blue API levels, an unhealthy yellow reading would trigger warnings and increased coordination with relevant agencies and ministries. More drastic measures, such as declaring a local emergency, could be taken if the haze reaches red or very unhealthy levels. Regarding the haze situation in Kalimantan, the minister confirmed that Malaysia's offer of assistance to Indonesia to combat forest fires remains available, including aircraft for water-bombing operations and personnel. He discussed the increasing number of hotspots in Kalimantan with Indonesia's Environment Minister during face-to-face meetings and phone calls, emphasizing that haze is a transboundary issue affecting neighboring countries.",
  "summary": "KOTA KINABALU: Organisers may need to move outdoor events indoors if air quality deteriorates amid the current haze situation, said Natural Resources and Environmental Sustainability Minister Datuk Seri Arthur Joseph Kurup.",
  "key_points": [
    "Outdoor events in Kalimantan may be moved indoors due to haze.",
    "808 hotspots detected in Kalimantan, raising air quality concerns.",
    "Minister Arthur Joseph Kurup will monitor conditions and adjust measures accordingly."
  ],
  "editors_take": "The government's threat to move outdoor events indoors signals a more proactive approach to mitigating haze effects, shifting focus from managing pollution to protecting public health.",
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 2,
    "also_reported_by": [
      {
        "outlet": "New Straits Times",
        "title": "Haze situation may worsen as Kalimantan hotspots rise to 808",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/09/15/haze-situation-may-worsen-as-kalimantan-hotspots-rise-to-808",
        "published": "2026-09-15T22:40:21.000Z"
      }
    ]
  },
  "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."
}