Toxic smog in Southeast Asia: Schools closed in Malaysia, record pollution in Singapore, and special measures for the Formula 1 race

Forest fires in Indonesia, which broke out several weeks ago, have blanketed several regions of the country and neighboring states, including Malaysia, Singapore and the Philippines, in smoke. Pollution reached record levels in Singapore just before the Formula 1 race, while authorities in several Malaysian states decided to close schools.

In central Singapore, the Pollutant Standards Index reached 170, the highest level recorded this year. The level is considered “unhealthy” above 101 and “very unhealthy” above 200. Visibility was reduced, and residents began wearing masks.

Authorities attribute the haze to a combination of drought in the region and fires in Indonesia. The fires are fueled mainly by illegal slash-and-burn practices used to clear land. Between July and September, nearly 175,000 respiratory infections associated with the fires were reported in Indonesia.

Malaysia extended school closures in Johor, Melaka, Negeri Sembilan and Selangor. Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim convened an ASEAN regional meeting, while Singapore is preparing emergency measures for the Grand Prix, including medical assistance and the distribution of masks.