Fires in Indonesia have triggered significant air pollution across Southeast Asia, leading to the activation of the highest-level haze alert by the region’s meteorological monitoring authority.
The ongoing pollution crisis has resulted in school closures, increased respiratory illnesses, and restrictions on outdoor activities in Indonesia, Malaysia, Singapore, and East Timor.
“This thing needs to stop,” said Zul Hafiz, a teacher from Shah Alam, Malaysia, during a cycling journey to the capital. He urged the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) to take decisive action against the situation.
On Friday, the ASEAN Specialised Meteorological Centre (ASMC) announced the activation of “Alert Level 3 for the Southern ASEAN region,” the highest tier in its four-level alert system. This level indicates a “high risk of severe transboundary haze in the region” and is issued when moderate to dense smoke is observed over multiple consecutive days.
In 2023, the ASMC has issued two Level 3 alerts, underscoring the severity of the situation this year.
Currently, Singapore ranks as the second most polluted major city globally, according to IQAir’s live ranking, while Kuala Lumpur follows closely in third place, both experiencing “very hazardous” air quality levels.
In an effort to mitigate the haze, Indonesia has employed dry ice at a primary airport in South Sumatra. According to the national disaster mitigation agency, 2.4 tonnes of dry ice were released from aircraft. The agency emphasized that the haze not only impairs visibility and disrupts aviation but also poses health risks to residents.
Responses from residents highlight the frustration felt in the region. Khairul Azhar, a bank officer in Kuala Lumpur, remarked, “It’s a bit unfair on Malaysia because of the irresponsible behaviour of our neighbouring country,” pointing to the broader impact on daily life for many Malaysians.
East Timor continues to experience poor air quality, particularly in the capital city of Dili, prompting warnings from authorities about a potential worsening of conditions and resulting school closures.
In Singapore, authorities plan to issue warnings to seven companies in Indonesia identified as contributing to the fires, primarily pulpwood and timber suppliers based in Sumatra, including Bumi Andalas Permai and Bumi Mekar Hijau.
Discussions surrounding the haze impact are expected to take place at future ASEAN meetings leading up to the November summit in Manila, according to Dominic Xavier Imperial, a spokesman for the Philippines Department of Foreign Affairs.
