As smoke from Indonesia’s forest fires spreads across Southeast Asia, Malaysia closes schools, Singapore issues health warnings, and questions grow over regional cooperation.
Smoke Crosses Southeast Asia’s Borders
Indonesia’s wildfire crisis is becoming a regional public health emergency. Smoke from burning forests and peatlands in Sumatra and Kalimantan is spreading across Southeast Asia, affecting air quality far beyond Indonesia’s borders.
Malaysia, Singapore and other neighbouring countries have reported deteriorating conditions. Millions of residents face exposure to hazardous airborne particles, while governments introduce protective measures.
On 9 October, Malaysia ordered school closures across Kuala Lumpur, Putrajaya and several states. The decision followed worsening pollution linked to fires in Indonesia. Approximately two million students were affected, according to reporting from Al Jazeera.
The emergency highlights a recurring problem: smoke pollution does not respect national boundaries.
Singapore Prepares for Dangerous Pollution Levels
Singapore has also experienced worsening air quality.
On 9 October, the National Environment Agency recorded hourly PM2.5 concentrations between 69 and 123 micrograms per cubic metre. The country’s 24-hour Pollutant Standards Index reached 136–192, classified as unhealthy.
Authorities warned that pollution could enter the very unhealthy range. Singapore activated its interagency Haze Task Force, bringing together 28 government agencies.
By 11 October, air quality remained unhealthy, with PSI readings between 112 and 155. Satellite observations showed smoke drifting from southern Sumatra and West Kalimantan.
Officials advised vulnerable residents to reduce outdoor activities, particularly children, pregnant women, older adults and people with existing medical conditions.
When Wildfire Smoke Becomes a Health Threat
The danger extends beyond reduced visibility.
Wildfire smoke contains fine particulate matter known as PM2.5. These particles can penetrate deep into the respiratory system and contribute to cardiovascular problems.
According to the World Health Organization, wildfire smoke exposure can aggravate asthma, trigger breathing difficulties and increase risks for people with existing heart or lung diseases.
Repeated exposure creates additional concerns for communities experiencing prolonged fire seasons.
In Indonesia’s West Kalimantan province, residents have taken legal action against 27 government officials and institutions. They accuse authorities of negligence in preventing and responding to the fires. These allegations have not been established by a court.
Malaysia Questions Regional Cooperation
The crisis is also testing relations between neighbouring governments.
On 11 October, Malaysian Deputy Prime Minister Ahmad Zahid Hamidi said Indonesia had not formally responded to Malaysia’s offer of firefighting assistance.
He explained that Malaysian disaster management and diplomatic authorities had contacted their Indonesian counterparts.
Malaysia nevertheless maintained that its offer remained available.
The reported delay raises questions about the effectiveness of regional emergency coordination.
Indonesia has mobilised domestic resources against the fires. However, the scale of the pollution illustrates why national firefighting efforts alone may prove insufficient.
A Regional Crisis With Shared Responsibilities
Southeast Asia already has a framework for addressing this problem.
The ASEAN Agreement on Transboundary Haze Pollution, signed in 2002, provides mechanisms for prevention, monitoring and international cooperation. Indonesia formally ratified it in 2014 and deposited its ratification in 2015.
The underlying causes are complex. Drought, degraded peatlands and land management practices can increase fire risks.
ASEAN identifies drained peatlands as especially vulnerable because fires can spread underground and produce substantial smoke.
Yet the immediate consequences are increasingly visible in hospitals, classrooms and everyday life.
As another fire season affects multiple countries, the central question is no longer simply how to extinguish the flames.
It is how Southeast Asia can prevent recurring smoke pollution from becoming a permanent threat to public health.
Did You Know?
Peatland fires can continue burning beneath the ground, making them especially difficult to extinguish. ASEAN identifies degraded tropical peatlands as a major contributor to Southeast Asia’s recurring transboundary haze.
FAQ
Forest and peatland fires in Indonesia, particularly Sumatra and Kalimantan, are producing smoke transported across borders by regional winds.
Malaysia and Singapore have documented substantial impacts. Smoke has also been reported across other parts of Southeast Asia, including Brunei and the Philippines.
Fine particles known as PM2.5 can enter the lungs, aggravate respiratory illnesses and increase cardiovascular risks.
Yes. Malaysia offered firefighting assistance, but its deputy prime minister said on 11 October that an official response was still pending.
ASEAN’s transboundary haze agreement establishes mechanisms for fire monitoring, prevention, emergency cooperation and shared responses.
Sources
- Singapore National Environment Agency — Singapore Ready to Step Up Haze Response (9 October 2026)
- Singapore NEA — Haze Situation Update (11 October 2026)
- Bernama — Malaysia Still Awaiting Indonesia’s Response to Firefighting Aid Offer (11 October 2026)
- World Health Organization — Wildfires and Health
- ASEAN — Agreement on Transboundary Haze Pollution
- ASEAN — Information on Fire and Haze
- Associated Press — West Kalimantan Residents Take Wildfire Grievances to Court (October 2026)
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* ©️Jimmy Tan
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