Haze from regional fires impacts air quality in Malaysia and Singapore

Worsening haze conditions caused by forest and peatland fires in Kalimantan, Indonesia, are impacting air quality across Malaysia and Singapore. In Sarawak, Tebedu recorded a ‘very unhealthy’ Air Pollutant Index (API) of 206, making it the only station in the state to breach the 200-point threshold. Other areas in Sarawak, including Serian, Kuching, and Samarahan, have also reported unhealthy air quality levels.

In response to the deteriorating conditions, six schools in the Tebedu area have been temporarily closed, with students transitioning to online learning to ensure safety. In Sabah, air quality has reached moderate levels, with readings increasing due to smoke from fires in Central and West Kalimantan.

Singapore is also monitoring the situation closely. The National Environment Agency (NEA) reported moderate air quality, but warned that risks could increase if dry conditions persist and regional fires continue. The government’s 28-agency Haze Task Force has tiered action plans ready should the Pollutant Standards Index (PSI) exceed 100.