What is the Transboundary Haze in Southeast Asia 2026?
The Transboundary Haze in Southeast Asia 2026 is an ongoing air pollution event caused by smoke from forest and peatland fires in Sumatra and Kalimantan, Indonesia. The fires have burned since August, worsened by a strong El Niño and a positive Indian Ocean Dipole. Indonesia is experiencing its most intense fire season in 11 years, with about 800,000 hectares burned. President Prabowo ordered maximum firefighting on 12 October, deploying more than 60,000 personnel and 61 aircraft. Nationwide hotspots fell to 244 on 13 October from 1,085 a day earlier, but smoke continues to drift across the region. The haze has caused unhealthy to hazardous air quality across Indonesia, Malaysia and Singapore, with significant impacts on public health, education, aviation and outdoor work.
When and where is the haze occurring?
The haze season began in August–September 2026. Singapore’s air turned unhealthy from 05 October, and Malaysia shut schools in Kuala Lumpur, Putrajaya, Johor, Melaka, Negeri Sembilan, Pahang and Selangor on 09 October (about 2 million students). On 16 October, Singapore’s central region recorded a 24-hour PSI of 229, its highest this year and the twelfth consecutive day of unhealthy air. Malaysia closed schools in eight Selangor districts on 16 October, and Timor-Leste shut schools nationwide from 15 to 17 October. Affected areas include Singapore, Peninsular Malaysia (Klang Valley, Johor, Sarawak), Sumatra (Palembang, Pekanbaru, Jambi), Kalimantan (Palangka Raya, Banjarbaru), Batam and the Riau Islands, and Timor-Leste.
What are the key impacts?
Air quality and public health: Very unhealthy to hazardous air in Singapore, Selangor, southern Sumatra and Central Kalimantan. Elevated risk for staff with respiratory or heart conditions, older people, children and pregnant women. Indonesia recorded 277,075 respiratory infection cases. Schools and education: Closures in Selangor, Johor and Timor-Leste, with more likely if API exceeds 200. Outdoor work and events: Outdoor work, sports and events face restrictions; construction, logistics and delivery staff are most exposed. Aviation (regional airports): Low visibility at Sumatra and Kalimantan airports and Seletar causes delays, diversions and cancellations; major hubs operating normally. Offices and business operations: Offices operate normally, but absenteeism, school-related leave and indoor air quality may affect productivity. Road and sea visibility: Reduced visibility in Sumatra, Kalimantan and around Batam may slow road and ferry traffic. Supply chains and logistics: Localised delays in fire-affected Indonesian provinces; regional trade flows not significantly affected so far.
What are the recommended actions for organisations?
Activate haze monitoring for Singapore, Malaysia and Indonesia, and review conditions at least twice daily using NEA, Malaysia’s APIMS, BMKG and ASEAN Specialised Meteorological Centre updates. Set clear thresholds for action (for example, Singapore 24-hour PSI above 200 or Malaysia API above 150) for remote working and suspending outdoor work. Provide N95 masks to staff, prioritising outdoor workers, drivers and delivery personnel, and allow vulnerable employees to work from home. Check air-conditioning, filters and fresh-air intake settings at offices and sites; keep windows and doors closed and consider portable air purifiers. Support staff affected by school closures with flexible hours or remote working. Build in buffers for flights to and from Sumatra, Kalimantan, Batam and Seletar; check airline advisories before travel. Postpone or move outdoor events, offsites and team activities indoors until air quality improves. Brief travellers to affected areas on health precautions and keep emergency contact lists current.
What should individuals do?
Check hourly PM2.5 and 24-hour PSI or API readings before going outdoors, and limit prolonged or strenuous outdoor activity. Wear a properly fitted N95 mask outdoors when air quality is unhealthy. Keep windows and doors closed, use air purifiers where available and stay hydrated. Seek medical advice promptly if you have breathing difficulty, chest pain or worsening asthma. Allow extra time for travel; confirm flight status for Sumatra, Kalimantan, Batam and Seletar routes. Drive carefully in low visibility and use headlights in dense haze. Use official channels in an emergency: 995 or 999 (Singapore), 999 (Malaysia), 112 (Indonesia).
Frequently asked questions
What is the current air quality in Singapore?
Singapore’s central region recorded a 24-hour PSI of 229 on 16 October 2026, which is very unhealthy.
Which areas are most affected?
Singapore, Selangor and Johor in Malaysia, Sumatra and Kalimantan in Indonesia, Batam and the Riau Islands, and Timor-Leste.
What are the emergency contact numbers?
Singapore: Police 999, Ambulance/Fire 995; Malaysia: 999; Indonesia: 112.
Download the full advisory now
Datasurfr’s Special Advisory on the Transboundary Haze in Southeast Asia carries the complete timeline, affected areas, sector exposure and business continuity checklist. Download the full advisory now to brief your travel and continuity teams.
Filed under: APACThreat Intelligence Special Reports
