Indonesia’s haze spikes Singapore pollution, shuts East Timor schools
Singapore has rolled out subsidies for haze-related medical treatment, a measure last activated in 2015 when similar fires in Indonesia shrouded Southeast Asia in toxic smoke for weeks.
Forest fires in Indonesia have scorched vast swathes of land on Borneo and Sumatra islands, sending thick haze across the region and causing widespread health concerns. Air quality in western Singapore reached the highest level on Wednesday, with particulate matter 288 micrograms per cubic metre - far exceeding World Health Organization guidelines.
East Timor responded by shutting all schools for three days to protect students and staff. Singapore activated subsidies for haze-related medical treatment and began distributing N95 masks to eligible residents as pollution levels remained dangerously high. The Indonesian government mobilized thousands of personnel to combat the fires, but progress has been limited. Malaysia has called for a diplomatic protest against Indonesia's handling of the crisis.
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- Indonesia names over 200 people, nine firms as suspects over forest fires as transboundary haze worsens channelnewsasia.com
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