Haze worsens across Southeast Asia as Singapore air stays unhealthy

· Climate · Singapore · Malaysia

Singapore's air quality remained in the unhealthy range, with the 24-hour PSI expected to reach unhealthy to high-unhealthy levels, the National Environment Agency said. Malaysia's southern state of Johor extended school closures to Oct. 16, having first shut schools on Oct. 8, while health authorities reported rising upper respiratory tract infections and conjunctivitis and advised reduced outdoor activity. Indonesian officials said ground crews would help more than helicopters in low visibility, and welcomed offers of help from Singapore and Malaysia. Singapore will roll out haze subsidies at GP and polyclinics from Oct. 12, capping eligible patients' treatment costs at S$10.

Why it matters：Cross-border haze is a recurring regional health and diplomatic issue, and this episode is straining schools, health systems and governments across Southeast Asia.

Key points

  • Singapore's 24-hour PSI is forecast to be unhealthy to high-unhealthy.
  • Johor first closed schools on Oct. 8 and extended closures to Oct. 16.
  • Singapore's haze subsidies begin Oct. 12, capping treatment at S$10.

Sources (original reporting)

More stories from this day