Jakarta, ThedailyID — Haze from Indonesia’s forest and land fires has spread to neighboring countries, with Brunei Darussalam and the Philippines reporting deteriorating air quality and issuing warnings over potential health impacts.
Brunei’s Ministry of Health warned on Sunday (Aug. 31) that residents could experience coughing, eye irritation and runny noses as hazy conditions emerged across the country. Vulnerable groups, including children, elderly people, pregnant women and those with respiratory or heart conditions, were urged to reduce outdoor activities.
Satellite imagery from the ASEAN Specialised Meteorological Centre detected 514 hotspots on Aug. 27, 1,734 on Aug. 28 and 1,180 on Aug. 29 across Kalimantan. The hotspots were concentrated mainly in Central and West Kalimantan.
“The dominant southwesterly winds blowing towards Brunei and the smoke haze from these key hotspots have significantly contributed to the hazy conditions in Brunei,” Asia News Network reported, Tuesday (01/09).
Brunei’s highest Pollutant Standard Index (PSI) reading on Aug. 30 reached 73 in Brunei-Muara, placing it in the moderate category.
The Philippines has also reported worsening conditions. The country’s Department of Environment and Natural Resources said PM2.5 levels in parts of Metro Manila had reached “very unhealthy” to “acutely unhealthy” levels.
“High PM2.5 levels may be associated with haze from ongoing fires in Kalimantan, Indonesia, carried by winds towards the Philippines,” the agency said.
In Quezon City, authorities suspended face-to-face classes at all public schools after local sensors recorded hazardous air quality. Private schools were also urged to shift to remote learning.
“Everyone is advised to wear masks and reduce outdoor time and physical activities,” the Quezon City government said.
The latest reports follow similar haze warnings from Malaysia and Singapore, highlighting how Indonesia’s ongoing fires are creating air-quality concerns beyond its borders.
