Southeast Asia Haze Chokes Region; Schools Close in Malaysia

· Climate · Indonesia · Malaysia

Anger is mounting at companies accused of burning land in Indonesia and authorities who have failed to stop them, as toxic smog chokes Southeast Asia. Schools in Malaysia's Johor, Melaka, Negeri Sembilan and several other districts closed on Oct 14 due to the haze, leaving parents scrambling to keep children on track for exams. By Oct 6, Indonesian wildfires had emitted 140.5 megatonnes of carbon. More than 60,000 personnel have been deployed in ground operations, with smoke, swamps and snakes hampering efforts.

Why it matters：The recurring haze crisis shows how land-clearing in one country can create a regional health and climate emergency.

Key points

  • Schools closed in several Malaysian states on Oct 14.
  • Indonesian wildfires emitted 140.5 megatonnes of carbon by Oct 6.
  • More than 60,000 personnel were deployed to fight the fires.

Sources (original reporting)

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