The key facts

  • ASEAN's ASMC activated 'Alert Level 3' — the highest of four — due to the risk of severe transboundary haze; this is already the third such alert this year.
  • The haze has disrupted life in Indonesia, Malaysia, Singapore and East Timor: schools closed, outdoor activities restricted, and a rise in respiratory illnesses.
  • Singapore announced warnings to seven Indonesian companies it considers responsible for the fires; the issue will be discussed ahead of the ASEAN summit in Manila in November.

Highest alert level

Fires in Indonesia, whose toxic smoke has disrupted daily life across Southeast Asia, have prompted the regional meteorological monitor to declare its highest alert level. The ASEAN Specialised Meteorological Centre (ASMC) said on its website on Friday that it had activated 'Alert Level 3 for the southern ASEAN region' — the highest tier of a four-level system. This level is declared when there is a 'high risk of severe transboundary haze in the region' and is intended for cases of widespread moderate or dense smoke pollution observed for two or more consecutive days. According to the ASMC website, this is already the third Level 3 declared this year.

Consequences for the region

The weeks-long period of pollution has led to school closures, a surge in respiratory illnesses and restrictions on outdoor activities in Indonesia, Malaysia, Singapore and East Timor. On Saturday, Singapore ranked second in IQAir's live ranking of the world's most polluted major cities after Baghdad, with Kuala Lumpur third; all readings corresponded to the 'very unhealthy' level. In East Timor, unhealthy air pollution persisted on Saturday, including in the capital Dili; authorities warned that the situation could worsen, and schools were closed.

Indonesia's measures

Indonesia reported on Saturday that it had used dry ice at one of the main airports of South Sumatra province to disperse the haze. According to the national disaster mitigation agency, 2.4 tonnes of dry ice were sprayed from an aircraft. The agency warned: 'The smoke not only reduces visibility and disrupts aircraft operations, but also affects residents' health.'

Residents' reactions and diplomatic steps

The haze has sparked renewed calls for action from residents. Zul Hafiz, a 39-year-old teacher cycling from Shah Alam to Malaysia's capital, told AFP on Saturday: 'This needs to stop,' calling on ASEAN to take action. Khairul Azhar, a 33-year-old bank employee, said: 'It is somewhat unfair to Malaysia because of the irresponsible behaviour of our neighbouring country. It affects our weekends — not only mine, but those of many Malaysians.' On Friday, Singapore announced it would issue warnings to seven Indonesian companies it identified as responsible for the fires; these are mostly pulp and wood suppliers in Sumatra, including Bumi Andalas Permai, Bumi Mekar Hijau and SBA Wood Industries. Dominique Javier Imperial, the Philippine Foreign Ministry official for ASEAN affairs, said on Friday that the haze would be discussed at upcoming meetings ahead of the ASEAN summit in Manila in November.