Indonesia fire smoke drives unhealthy haze across parts of Malaysia and the Philippines

Smoke from fires in Indonesia has contributed to a transboundary haze episode affecting parts of Malaysia and the Philippines, although local pollution and changing winds also influence readings at individual stations.

Malaysia’s Sarawak environmental authority recorded hazardous Air Pollutant Index readings above 300 at several locations on September 2, including Kuching, Serian, Lundu, Lubok Antu and Kanowit. Indonesian forecasts showed pollutant transport from fires in Kalimantan and Sumatra toward neighbouring countries.

Philippine conditions shifted with the wind

Philippine authorities said air over Metro Manila improved somewhat on September 2, but several monitoring locations remained unhealthy for sensitive groups. The plume was shifting toward parts of the Visayas and Mindanao; midday readings in Talisay and Cagayan de Oro were described as acutely unhealthy.

Officials used cautious attribution such as “possibly linked” because air quality is dynamic and can include traffic, industry, construction dust and local burning as well as transported smoke.

Health steps during unhealthy air

Children, older adults, pregnant people and those with heart or lung disease should follow official local advice and reduce prolonged outdoor exertion when readings are high. A well-fitting N95 or equivalent respirator filters fine particles better than a loose cloth mask. Indoor air can be improved by closing windows during peaks and using properly sized filtration where available.

Air-quality readings can change within hours. Residents should check national or local monitoring networks rather than relying on photographs of visibility alone.

Sources: Philippine News Agency monitoring update; Philippine Information Agency response update; Sarawak official daily haze report; Malaysia disaster agency summary.

Haze over Metro Manila. Photo: Joan Bondoc/Philippine News Agency.