{
  "id": 15186605,
  "title": "Haze triggers highest-level alert in parts of Southeast Asia",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/10/17/haze-triggers-highest-level-alert-in-parts-of-southeast-asia-15186605",
  "topic": "world",
  "section": "World",
  "published": "2026-10-17T10:50:00.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "Free Malaysia Today",
    "slug": "free-malaysia-today",
    "url": "https://www.freemalaysiatoday.com/category/highlight/2026/10/17/haze-triggers-highest-level-alert-in-parts-of-southeast-asia"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "The Association of Southeast Asian Nations (Asean) Specialised Meteorological Centre (ASMC) activated its highest alert level for parts of Southeast Asia due to toxic haze originating from fires in Indonesia. This marks the fourth such alert this year, signalling a high risk of severe transboundary haze. Schools have closed, respiratory conditions have surged, and outdoor activities have been restricted in Indonesia, Malaysia, Singapore, and East Timor.\n\nZul Hafiz, a teacher, called on the Asean bloc to take action, expressing frustration with neighboring countries' \"irresponsible behaviour.\" Indonesia attempted to disperse the haze by releasing 2.4 tonnes of dry ice from a South Sumatra province airport, but warned that the smoke endangers both health and aircraft operations.\n\nResidents in Indonesia's Palangkaraya, part of the fire epicenter, reported debilitating health impacts and economic hardship. Joko, a construction worker, had no choice but to continue working due to financial dependence on daily wage jobs. East Timor's capital, Dili, also experienced unhealthy air pollution, with schools closed. Singapore positioned itself second on the world's most polluted major cities list, behind Baghdad, with Kuala Lumpur ranking third, all showing \"very hazardous\" levels. The Philippines foreign department spokesman said the haze would be discussed at upcoming Asean meetings ahead of an upcoming Manila summit.",
  "summary": "The haze has closed schools, fuelled a surge in respiratory conditions and restricted outdoor activities in Indonesia, Malaysia, Singapore and East Timor.",
  "key_points": [],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 5,
    "also_reported_by": [
      {
        "outlet": "Malay Mail",
        "title": "Indonesia fires trigger highest-level regional haze alert as pollution spreads across Southeast Asia",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/10/17/indonesia-fires-trigger-highest-level-regional-haze-alert-as",
        "published": "2026-10-17T05:56:41.000Z"
      },
      {
        "outlet": "Bangkok Post",
        "title": "Haze triggers highest-level alert in parts of Southeast Asia",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/10/17/haze-triggers-highest-level-alert-in-parts-of-southeast-asia",
        "published": "2026-10-17T08:45:00.000Z"
      },
      {
        "outlet": "Antara News Indonesia",
        "title": "Haze, tailwinds cancel flights at Indonesia's Palu airport",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/10/17/haze-tailwinds-cancel-flights-at-indonesias-palu-airport",
        "published": "2026-10-17T10:12:20.000Z"
      },
      {
        "outlet": "Free Malaysia Today",
        "title": "Haze triggers highest-level alert in parts of Southeast Asia",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/10/17/haze-triggers-highest-level-alert-in-parts-of-southeast-asia-15185386",
        "published": "2026-10-17T10:50:00.000Z"
      }
    ]
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}