Toxic smog shuts schools in Malaysia as pollution hits record levels in Singapore

Toxic smog shuts schools in Malaysia as pollution hits record levels in Singapore

Wildfires have been burning throughout parts of Indonesia for weeks, sending smoke across the country and into neighbouring Malaysia, Singapore and the Philippines

The smog, also known as the haze, has caused record levels of air pollution in Singapore as it kicks off the F1 Grand Prix race today

Authorities in several states across Malaysia ave also ordered schools to shut

This year’s wildfire season is one of Indonesia’s worst in years, and is primarily caused by illegal slash-and-burn practices used by farmers and companies as a cheap method to clear vegetation

Between July and September, Indonesia’s Health Ministry recorded nearly 175,000 cases of respiratory infections linked to fires. Experts say the “super” El Niño this year has exacerbated drought conditions