Indonesian fire haze spreads across Southeast Asia

Thick smog from Indonesian fires on Borneo and Sumatra has blanketed parts of Southeast Asia, causing respiratory problems, school closures, and drifting haze affecting Malaysia, Singapore, and the Philippines. Nearly 300,000 hectares have burned this year, releasing over 23 million metric tons of carbon emissions between August 28 and September 3, exceeding 2015 levels. El Niño conditions and slash-and-burn land clearing, particularly on flammable peatlands, have fueled the fires. Over five million people in Borneo and Sumatra face health risks, with 1.4 million students learning remotely. Malaysia declared an emergency in Sarawak, closing nearly 650 schools, while Philippine air quality is recovering and Singapore reported unhealthy levels on Friday.