Toxic Haze from Burning Peatlands Engulfs Southeast Asia, Indonesia Faces Pressure

The haze has affected Indonesia, Malaysia, Singapore and parts of the Philippines for weeks, with tens of thousands of people reportedly falling ill in Indonesia alone. An unusually strong El Nino has further aggravated the fires, increasing pressure on Indonesian authorities to take urgent measures to contain the blazes and prevent further environmental damage.

Singapore has warned companies accused of contributing to the haze, stressing that its determination to take action should not be underestimated. Meanwhile, fresh student protests are expected in Indonesia’s capital, Jakarta, as activists demand that the government declare a national emergency to strengthen its response to the worsening pollution crisis.