Singapore air ‘unhealthy’ as haze spreads from Indonesian fires

On Friday, Singapore's air quality plummeted to an unhealthy level due to haze originating from Indonesian forest fires, placing the city-state among the world's ten most polluted major cities, according to IQAir. Kuching in Malaysia's Borneo region topped the list at number one. Singapore's National Environment Agency warned residents to curtail prolonged or strenuous outdoor activities.

The fires and associated smog are a recurring issue, usually linked to customary and commercial land-clearance methods; however, this year's "super El Nino" weather pattern, peaking in September and October, is poised to exacerbate and prolong the health hazards and economic repercussions across the region. Fire hotspots on Borneo have increased following a minor decline, reported Indonesian media citing the forestry minister.

The authorities are grappling with the difficulty of suppressing the blazes. The government has mobilized a minimum of 6,000 ground personnel, employing aerial water-bombing and weather modification to combat the fires. The El Nino's implications are reverberating throughout Southeast Asia's largest economy. Indonesia's leading nickel complex may need to cut production by up to 40% due to drought affecting its water supply, while dwindling waterways are disrupting palm oil shipments.

Approximately 40% of Kalimantan's monthly palm oil output, around 417,000 tonnes, has necessitated transportation by truck instead of barges since the beginning of August, thereby escalating transportation expenses. M Hadi Sugeng Wahyudiono, secretary general of the Indonesian Palm Oil Association (Gapki), reported these figures.

Air quality was also deteriorating in other regions. Malaysia's Sarawak recorded "hazardous" pollution levels, and Indonesian authorities cautioned residents in Kalimantan, where the hotspots are concentrated, to remain vigilant for worsening conditions.