KUALA LUMPUR, MALAYSIA: Forest and land fires in Indonesia have triggered a worsening air pollution crisis across Southeast Asia, forcing Malaysian authorities to close schools in several states and federal territories to protect students from unhealthy air.

The haze, carried across national borders, has affected communities in Malaysia and Singapore. On October 9, 2026, Malaysia’s Education Ministry ordered schools to close in Johor, Melaka, Negeri Sembilan and Selangor, as well as Kuala Lumpur, Putrajaya and the Rompin district of Pahang.

The decision followed a deterioration in air quality, with monitoring stations recording unhealthy pollution levels in multiple locations. Authorities have instructed affected educational institutions to arrange home-based learning while the situation is assessed.

Air Pollution Reaches Unhealthy Levels

Malaysia’s Department of Environment reported unhealthy Air Pollutant Index (API) readings across 38 areas of Peninsular Malaysia on October 8.

Segamat in Johor recorded an API reading of 190, while Seremban reached 186 and Nilai recorded 185. These readings fall within Malaysia’s unhealthy air-quality category.

According to the department, dry weather and smoke drifting from neighbouring Indonesia contributed to the deterioration. Satellite monitoring identified hundreds of fire hotspots in Sumatra and Kalimantan, two Indonesian regions affected by recurring forest and land fires.

The pollution has created concerns for children, older adults and people with respiratory or cardiovascular conditions. Exposure to smoke particles can irritate the eyes and throat and worsen breathing difficulties, particularly when pollution remains elevated for extended periods.

Why Indonesian Fires Affect Neighbouring Countries

Indonesia’s forest and land fires can produce large quantities of smoke that travel across national borders under suitable wind conditions.

The problem is particularly serious when fires occur on peatlands. Peat soil contains partially decomposed organic material that can burn below the surface, making some fires difficult to detect and extinguish completely.

These fires may continue smouldering even after visible flames disappear. Dry conditions can allow them to spread or reignite, producing smoke for prolonged periods.

When winds carry the smoke towards neighbouring countries, the resulting haze can affect densely populated urban areas, schools, workplaces and transport systems.

The latest episode demonstrates how environmental problems in one country can create public-health and economic challenges throughout an entire region.

El Niño and Prolonged Dry Weather Increase Concerns

The current haze crisis is unfolding during an unusually strong El Niño event.

El Niño is a natural climate phenomenon associated with changes in Pacific Ocean temperatures and atmospheric circulation. It can influence rainfall patterns across Southeast Asia, sometimes contributing to drier conditions in parts of Indonesia.

Prolonged dry weather can make vegetation and peatlands more vulnerable to fire, especially where land clearing, drainage and other human activities have already increased fire risk.

However, El Niño is not the sole cause of forest fires. Land-management practices, deliberate burning, vegetation conditions and enforcement of fire-prevention rules can also influence how fires start and spread.

Scientists and environmental organisations have warned that rising temperatures and changing rainfall patterns may complicate wildfire management in vulnerable regions.

The extent of the contribution from climate change to this particular haze episode requires careful scientific assessment rather than being assumed from the presence of El Niño alone.

Singapore Also Faces Haze-Related Challenges

Singapore has experienced deteriorating air quality as smoke from Indonesian fires has spread across the region.

The haze has created concerns about outdoor activities and public events, including preparations for the Singapore Grand Prix. Organisers and authorities have been monitoring pollution levels and considering precautions to protect spectators and workers.

Fine particles in wildfire smoke can penetrate deep into the respiratory system. People with asthma, heart disease and other existing health conditions may be especially vulnerable.

Public-health advice during haze episodes generally includes reducing strenuous outdoor activity when pollution is high, keeping indoor environments as clean as possible and following local air-quality advisories.

The regional impact highlights the importance of coordinated action rather than treating the problem solely as a domestic environmental issue.

Indonesia Faces Legal and Environmental Pressure

Indonesia is also facing growing pressure to address the recurring fires and their consequences.

On October 8, reporting by The Guardian described a class-action lawsuit brought by Indigenous groups and civil-society organisations in West Kalimantan. The plaintiffs accused authorities of failing to take adequate action against recurring fires and the resulting haze.

The lawsuit seeks measures including environmental rehabilitation and healthcare support. Its allegations have not been established as final legal findings.

The case reflects broader concerns about the environmental damage associated with land-clearing fires, including those linked to agricultural expansion.

Environmental organisations have repeatedly called for stronger fire prevention, restoration of damaged peatlands and greater accountability for unlawful burning.

Legal proceedings may add pressure for improved enforcement, but reducing the haze crisis will also require practical measures to prevent fires and strengthen rapid-response capabilities.

Health Risks Extend Beyond School Closures

Closing schools is one immediate way to reduce children’s exposure to polluted outdoor air, but the broader health risks affect entire communities.

Smoke contains fine particulate matter and other pollutants that can aggravate respiratory conditions and contribute to cardiovascular problems. Prolonged exposure may be particularly dangerous for vulnerable groups.

Healthcare services may face increased demand during severe haze episodes, while workers who spend long periods outdoors can find it difficult to avoid exposure.

Authorities can help reduce risks by communicating air-quality information clearly, providing health guidance and ensuring that people can access appropriate medical care.

Employers and schools may also need contingency plans for remote work or learning when pollution reaches dangerous levels.

Economic and Environmental Consequences

Recurring forest fires can damage ecosystems, destroy wildlife habitats and contribute to greenhouse gas emissions.

They can also disrupt tourism, transportation, agriculture and business activity. School closures place additional pressure on families, particularly parents who must arrange childcare while continuing to work.

Haze episodes can become especially costly when they continue for weeks or spread across several countries.

Restoring peatlands, improving land-use monitoring and preventing illegal burning may help reduce future fire risks. Effective enforcement against unlawful land clearing is also important.

Regional cooperation can support information-sharing, firefighting assistance and investigations into activities that contribute to cross-border pollution.

What Happens Next?

Malaysia’s authorities are continuing to monitor air-quality readings and have instructed education departments to respond to changing conditions.

Schools in affected areas are expected to follow home-based learning arrangements while closures remain in effect. The reopening of institutions will depend on updated official guidance and local pollution levels.

Indonesia’s fire-control efforts and changing weather conditions will influence how quickly the regional haze improves.

The crisis also underscores the importance of long-term prevention, including better management of fire-prone landscapes and stronger cooperation among Southeast Asian countries.

Conclusion

Forest and land fires in Indonesia have caused a serious haze episode across Southeast Asia, prompting school closures in several Malaysian states and federal territories.

Unhealthy air-quality readings, dry weather and smoke crossing national borders have raised concerns about public health, environmental damage and disruption to everyday life.

The strong El Niño event may be contributing to the dry conditions, but land management and human activities also play important roles in wildfire risk.

Preventing future haze crises will require coordinated regional action, effective fire management, protection of peatlands and stronger enforcement against unlawful burning.