Fires in Indonesia have prompted the ASEAN Specialised Meteorological Centre to issue its highest-level haze alert for southern Southeast Asia. Persistent hotspots, dry weather and shifting winds are spreading toxic smoke, disrupting schools and worsening respiratory complaints across the region

Singapore has introduced medical subsidies for haze-related illnesses as Indonesian forest fires worsen air pollution across Southeast Asia. Malaysia has kept some schools closed, while flight cancellations highlight the regional impact of the toxic haze intensified by El Niño conditions