Indonesian Borneo fires choke communities as haze spreads to Malaysia

Wildfires in Indonesian Borneo are producing an acrid haze that is spreading to Malaysia, causing breathing difficulties for millions of people. The situation is particularly dire in West Kalimantan province, where the prolonged El Nino drought has exacerbated the fires. Three community leaders have shared their perspectives on the crisis:

The head of the local education ministry highlighted the challenges faced by students who are staying home due to poor air quality. With limited access to the internet and devices, many children are struggling to learn. Schools have been closed indefinitely, with about 200,000 pupils receiving home-based education.

A health official reported a surge in respiratory illnesses, with over 1,400 people hospitalized for acute respiratory infections in September alone. The agency has distributed masks to the public, but its stock is running low. They are urging residents to buy their own masks and are monitoring cases of diarrhoea linked to the drought.

A hamlet head appealed for more firefighting equipment, as the residents are struggling to control the fires. Smoke exposure poses a significant health risk, particularly for vulnerable groups such as children, pregnant women, the elderly, and those with asthma. Despite the challenging conditions, community leaders are hopeful that the haze will clear soon, as West Kalimantan's wetter season typically begins in October or November.