Haze triggers highest-level alert in parts of Southeast Asia

By the Editorial Team · Sunday, October 18, 2026

ASEAN has issued its highest-level air pollution alert due to severe haze from Indonesian forest fires affecting multiple Southeast Asian countries. The crisis has disrupted daily life, prompted emergency responses, and will be a major focus at upcoming regional meetings to seek coordinated solutions.

Widespread haze caused by forest fires in Indonesia has prompted the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) to issue its highest-level air pollution alert across parts of Southeast Asia. The regional meteorological body, the ASEAN Specialised Meteorological Centre (ASMC), raised the alert to Level 3 on Friday, signaling a high risk of severe transboundary smoke haze affecting multiple countries.

The ongoing haze has severely disturbed daily life in Indonesia, Malaysia, Singapore, and East Timor since the fires began months ago. Schools have been closed, outdoor activities restricted, and hospitals have reported increased respiratory cases linked to poor air quality. On Saturday, cities including Singapore and Kuala Lumpur ranked among the world’s most polluted major urban centers, with air quality indices reaching “very hazardous” levels.

Residents across the region voiced frustration and called for greater cooperation to address the crisis. In the Malaysian city of Shah Alam, teacher Zul Hafiz urged ASEAN to intervene, emphasizing the urgent need to halt the fires. Similarly, bank officer Khairul Azhar in Kuala Lumpur described the situation as unfair to Malaysia and disruptive to daily routines.

Indonesia has taken emergency measures to mitigate the haze’s impacts, including dispersing 2.4 tonnes of dry ice by plane over Palembang’s airport in South Sumatra. The country’s disaster mitigation agency highlighted that the smoke not only hampers visibility and aviation operations but also poses serious health risks to the population.

In Palangkaraya, located near the fire’s epicenter, residents recounted the personal and economic toll of the haze. Mechanic Marzuki described the worsening economic conditions due to the prolonged crisis, comparing it unfavorably with the severe fires experienced in 2015. Construction worker Joko said the thick smoke caused breathing difficulties and eye irritation, but economic necessity forced him to continue working outdoors despite health risks.

East Timor’s capital, Dili, also continued to experience unhealthy pollution levels as the haze spread across national borders. Meanwhile, Singapore announced it would issue formal warnings to seven Indonesian companies identified as responsible for the deliberate burning practices blamed for igniting the fires.

The haze problem remains a significant concern for ASEAN governments. The Philippines, serving as the chair of the ASEAN bloc, indicated that the issue would be a key topic at upcoming meetings ahead of the summit scheduled for November in Manila. Officials highlighted the need for coordinated regional action to mitigate future flare-ups and address the ongoing environmental and public health crisis.

This article was reported by synthesizing coverage from multiple independent news outlets to present a balanced, unbiased account. Read about our editorial standards. Spotted an error? Let us know.