Overview

Countries across Southeast Asia have issued air quality alerts amid a resurgence in severe haze caused by forest and peatland fires in parts of Indonesia. Satellite imagery, weather forecasts, and air monitoring stations indicate deteriorating conditions, prompting health warnings and calls for public action in multiple nations. Observers cite dry weather, hotspots in fire-prone areas, and transboundary smoke drift as contributing factors.

Current Situation

• Indonesia’s Riau province has reported over 140 forest and peatland fire hotspots, particularly in the districts of Rokan Hilir and Rokan Hulu, burning around 46 hectares, significantly reducing visibility to as low as one kilometre.
• Smoke from Sumatra has drifted across the Strait of Malacca into Peninsular Malaysia, especially Negeri Sembilan. Haze is worsening air quality in several Malaysian states.
• Seasonal forecasts and regional think-tank assessments are warning of a “moderate risk” of severe haze affecting Indonesia, Malaysia, and Singapore through the remainder of 2025.
• Hotspot count and smoke plume observations from ASMC (ASEAN Specialised Meteorological Centre) show increased fire/dry-weather activity in southern ASEAN regions, particularly Sumatra and Kalimantan, which continue to pose risk for transboundary haze.

Health and Visibility Impacts

Air quality indices in affected areas have shifted into “unhealthy” ranges. Health advisories focus especially on vulnerable groups including children, the elderly, pregnant women, and those with respiratory or cardiovascular conditions. Symptoms reported include throat irritation, coughing, and worsened breathing difficulties. Visibility has been significantly reduced in many hotspot zones, with some major roads and urban districts experiencing haze so thick that it hampers travel and daily activities.

Forecast and Weather Conditions

• Dry weather persists in fire-prone zones, especially Sumatra, Kalimantan, parts of western Indonesia, due to seasonal trends and weakening monsoon rains.
• Winds are carrying smoke toward neighbouring countries (e.g. from Sumatra into Peninsular Malaysia). Forecasts suggest these drift patterns may intensify if hot-spot activity remains high.
• While some wet weather is expected in northern ASEAN and equatorial regions, southern zones are likely to remain relatively dry, raising fire risk.

Government Responses and Advisories

Authorities in Indonesia, Malaysia, and Singapore have issued various warnings and guidance:

• Malaysian states affected by transboundary haze are being advised to limit outdoor activities, particularly for sensitive populations.
• Public health agencies suggest the use of N95 or equivalent masks when outdoors, especially in areas of dense smoke and reduced visibility.
• Schools and workplaces in heavily affected areas are considering or adopting flexible schedules or remote operations to reduce exposure.
• Monitoring agencies are increasing frequency of air quality updates, hotspot surveillance, and forecasting of haze dispersion. ASEAN-wide coordination is emphasized.

Causes and Underlying Risks

The haze is driven largely by peatland and forest fires, some of which are started for land clearing (both legal and illegal), agricultural practices, and plantation expansion. Dry conditions, including weaker rainfall and monsoon shifts, exacerbate fire ignition and smoke persistence. Cross-border smoke drift places additional risk on neighbouring countries.

Outlook and Recommendations

With the dry season expected to last several more months in key areas, air quality is likely to remain problematic or worsen before improving. Effective enforcement of fire-prevention measures, better monitoring, and cross-border cooperation are crucial. Key recommendations include:

• Strengthening regulatory oversight on land clearing and burning, including plantation permits and enforcement on illegal burnings.
• Improving public communication systems for haze alerts and air quality indices.
• Ensuring access to clean air interventions such as filtered shelters, masks, air purifiers in public buildings.
• Enhancing regional coordination under ASEAN frameworks to respond to transboundary haze risks.
• Exploring long-term mitigation: peatland restoration, sustainable agriculture, fire prevention infrastructure.

Concluding Message

The current haze episode is a reminder that even when emissions reduction efforts improve, natural and human-induced fires, weather variability, and weak enforcement can trigger serious air quality hazards. Governments across Southeast Asia must balance short-term protective actions with long-term structural strategies to protect public health and environment.