Toxic haze from Indonesian fires chokes Malaysian Borneo
Summary
Smoke from forest fires in Indonesia has caused very bad air quality in parts of Malaysian Borneo and nearby areas. The haze has led to a rise in breathing illnesses and the cancellation of outdoor events in Sarawak, Malaysia.Key Facts
- Forest and peatland fires in Kalimantan, Indonesia, are causing toxic smoke over Malaysian Borneo.
- Sarawak has air pollution levels much higher than the unhealthy mark, with some places over 400 on the Air Pollutant Index.
- The haze has also reached peninsular Malaysia, Brunei, and Singapore.
- There has been a sharp increase in asthma and eye irritation cases in Malaysia.
- The haze started in early August and has lasted for more than a month in some areas.
- ASEAN has raised its highest-level alert for the haze because of many fire hotspots and dry weather worsened by El Nino.
- Sarawak canceled outdoor Independence Day celebrations due to the air pollution.
- If pollution levels pass 500, a local emergency will be declared, closing most offices except essential services.
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