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Southeast Asia is dealing with toxic haze from fires in Indonesia, and on 16 October the regional meteorological centre raised its alert to the highest of four tiers. The pollution has lasted months and is hitting Indonesia, Malaysia, Singapore and Timor-Leste with school closures, more respiratory illness and limits on outdoor activity. The report doesn't mention Thailand or Koh Lanta, and nothing in it says the haze has reached us. Here's what's happening and what it means if you're travelling.
What's happening
Fires in Indonesia are producing transboundary haze that has spread across Southeast Asia, and the pollution spell has now run for months. On Friday 16 October, the Asean Specialised Meteorological Centre (ASMC) activated "Alert Level 3 for the Southern Asean region", the highest of its four tiers. Level 3 applies when there is a high risk of severe transboundary haze, and it is reserved for widespread moderate to dense smoke haze seen over two or more consecutive days. This is not the first time this year: the ASMC has already issued two Level 3 alerts.
Which places are affected
Indonesia, Malaysia, Singapore and Timor-Leste are all affected. Effects include school closures, more respiratory illness and restricted outdoor activity.
On Saturday 17 October, IQAir's live ranking of the most polluted major cities put Baghdad first, Singapore second and Kuala Lumpur third. All readings were "very hazardous".
Timor-Leste, including Dili, also had unhealthy air on Saturday. Authorities warned it might get worse, and schools were closed.
What Indonesia is doing
Indonesia has used dry ice at a main South Sumatra airport to try to disperse the haze. The national disaster agency said 2.4 tonnes were dropped by plane. The agency said the smoke "not only reduces visibility and disrupts aircraft operations, but also affects residents' health."
Blame and diplomacy
On Friday, Singapore said it would issue warnings to seven Indonesian companies it holds responsible for the fires. They are mainly pulpwood and timber suppliers in Sumatra. Three were named: Bumi Andalas Permai, Bumi Mekar Hijau and SBA Wood Industries.
Dominic Xavier Imperial, the Philippines foreign department's spokesman for Asean issues, said the haze will be discussed at upcoming meetings ahead of the November Asean summit in Manila. Asean has 11 member countries.
What people in the region are saying
Zul Hafiz, a 39-year-old teacher cycling from Shah Alam to Kuala Lumpur, told AFP: "This thing needs to stop." He called on Asean to act.
Khairul Azhar, a 33-year-old bank officer in Kuala Lumpur, told AFP: "It's a bit unfair on Malaysia because of the irresponsible behaviour of our neighbouring country." He added that it is "affecting our weekend routine".
What this means for travellers
- Singapore, Kuala Lumpur, elsewhere in Malaysia, Sumatra and Timor-Leste: travel there carries a health risk. Expect "very hazardous" air, school closures and restricted outdoor activity.
- Flights: disruption is possible because the smoke reduces visibility. Aircraft operations at South Sumatra airports have already been affected.
- Who is most at risk: people with respiratory conditions, children and older people. N95 masks and indoor plans are sensible in affected cities.
- Before you go or transit: check live air quality (IQAir) and airline notices.
What about Koh Lanta?
The article gives no sign that the haze has reached Thailand or Koh Lanta. Southern Thailand can see haze in dry-season years when winds shift, but nothing here points to that happening now. Check local air quality before drawing conclusions.
Information sourced from Bangkok Post.