‘Clean air is not a favour’: Indonesia’s neighbours fed up with acrid haze as Singapore threatens to prosecute

Live updates

1. 1h ago

   Singapore Threatens Legal Action Against Firms Over Indonesian Haze

   Singapore is threatening to prosecute companies responsible for severe wildfires in Indonesia as acrid haze spreads across Southeast Asia. Prime Minister Lawrence Wong confirmed his government is probing firms behind the fires while distributing masks to vulnerable citizens. The smoke has caused school closures and a surge in respiratory illnesses across the region. In Singapore, the skyline remains shrouded in smoke, and officials warn that air quality could deteriorate further before the inter-monsoon period begins. Some parts of Southeast Asia have triggered highest-level alerts due to the pollution.

   Why it matters

   Transboundary haze from Indonesian land fires frequently affects neighboring nations, causing significant health and economic disruptions. These recurring environmental crises often strain diplomatic relations between Jakarta and its neighbors. The current situation is described as some of the worst fires in years.

   What is confirmed

   • Singapore is threatening to prosecute companies responsible for fires in Indonesia.
   • Prime Minister Lawrence Wong is probing firms behind the haze-causing fires.
   • The Singaporean government is distributing masks to vulnerable citizens.
   • Haze has triggered highest-level alerts in parts of Southeast Asia.
   • The smoke has led to school closures and increased respiratory illnesses.

   Still unconfirmed

   • The Pollutant Standards Index (PSI) could exceed 300 before the inter-monsoon period starts.
   • Major retailers are actively replenishing N95 mask stocks.

   What to watch next

   • Results of the probe into the specific companies responsible for the fires
   • Diplomatic responses from the Indonesian government regarding the prosecution threats
   • Air quality readings as the inter-monsoon period begins
   Sources used for this update (11)

   1. CNBC — Gasping for clean air: Singapore battles relentless haze as Prime Minister Wong warns of action
   2. Bloomberg — Singapore’s Wong Says Probing Firms Behind Haze-Causing Fires
   3. www.theguardian.com — ‘Clean air is not a favour’: Indonesia’s neighbours fed up ...
   4. The Guardian — ‘Clean air is not a favour’: Indonesia’s neighbours fed up with acrid haze as Singapore threatens to prosecute
   5. Business Insider — Singapore's iconic skyline is shrouded in a fire-related haze. Here's what it looks like across the island.
   6. The Straits Times — PSI could go over 300 before haze improves once inter-monsoon period starts: Grace Fu
   7. CNA — Consumers urged not to overbuy N95 masks; major retailers are 'actively replenishing' stocks: CASE
   8. Bangkok Post — Haze triggers highest-level alert in parts of Southeast Asia
   9. www.thedailybreakingnews.com — ‘Clean air is not a favour’: Indonesia’s neighbours fed up ...
   10. rocketnews.com — ‘Clean air is not a favour’: Indonesia’s neighbours fed up ...
   11. www.asia-pacific-solidarity.net — 'Clean air is not a favour': Indonesia's neighbours fed up ...
   confidence 90%