{
  "id": 8373653,
  "title": "Haze situation improves, only 20 areas at unhealthy API levels as of 9am",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/09/19/haze-situation-improves-only-20-areas-at-unhealthy-api-levels-as-of-8373653",
  "topic": "world",
  "section": "World",
  "published": "2026-09-19T03:22:00.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "Free Malaysia Today",
    "slug": "free-malaysia-today",
    "url": "https://www.freemalaysiatoday.com/category/nation/2026/09/19/haze-situation-improves-only-20-areas-at-unhealthy-api-levels-as-of-9am"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "As of 9am today, the haze situation across Malaysia has shown signs of improvement, with only 20 areas experiencing unhealthy air pollutant index (API) levels, down from 32 yesterday evening, reports Bernama. Kuching and Serian in Sarawak recorded the highest readings at 169, while the other affected areas include Samarahan, Sri Aman, Sibu, Sarikei, Bintulu, and Kapit. In Perak, Seri Manjung and Tanjung Malim also faced unhealthy readings. Selangor's affected areas comprise Shah Alam, Petaling Jaya, and Johan Setia, while Kuala Lumpur's areas Batu Muda, Cheras, and Putrajaya registered unhealthy levels, along with Nilai in Negeri Sembilan, Larkin in Johor, Bukit Rambai in Melaka, and Tawau in Sabah. Moderate readings were recorded in 37 areas, and good readings in another 10 areas.",
  "summary": "Sarawak remains the worst hit with six areas affected, including Kuching and Serian, which recorded the highest API reading of 169.",
  "key_points": [],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 5,
    "also_reported_by": [
      {
        "outlet": "The Vibes",
        "title": "20 areas record unhealthy air quality, Serian and Kuching highest at 168",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/09/19/20-areas-record-unhealthy-air-quality-serian-and-kuching-highest-at",
        "published": "2026-09-19T01:00:00.000Z"
      },
      {
        "outlet": "New Straits Times",
        "title": "Haze: Kuching, Serian among eight areas in Sarawak recording unhealthy air quality",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/09/19/haze-kuching-serian-among-eight-areas-in-sarawak-recording-unhealthy",
        "published": "2026-09-19T01:14:32.000Z"
      },
      {
        "outlet": "Malay Mail",
        "title": "Haze stretches from Tawau to Perak as 20 areas record unhealthy air, Kuching and Serian hit 169",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/09/19/haze-stretches-from-tawau-to-perak-as-20-areas-record-unhealthy-air",
        "published": "2026-09-19T02:19:17.000Z"
      },
      {
        "outlet": "Free Malaysia Today",
        "title": "Haze situation improves, only 20 areas at unhealthy API levels as of 9am",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/09/19/haze-situation-improves-only-20-areas-at-unhealthy-api-levels-as-of",
        "published": "2026-09-19T03:22:00.000Z"
      }
    ]
  },
  "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."
}