Toxic haze from Indonesian fires chokes Malaysian Borneo

Smoke from forest and peatland fires burning across Indonesia has pushed air quality in parts of Malaysian Borneo to hazardous levels, triggering a surge in respiratory illness and forcing the cancellation of outdoor Independence Day celebrations. The smoke, drifting from fires in Kalimantan and Sumatra, has settled over Sarawak for much of August, also reaching peninsular Malaysia, Brunei, and Singapore. Six areas in Sarawak recorded hazardous air quality, with readings above 300 on Malaysia's Air Pollutant Index. Malaysia's Ministry of Health reported a sharp rise in asthma and conjunctivitis cases. ASEAN activated its highest Level 3 transboundary haze alert. In Indonesia, thousands have been treated for respiratory infections, and millions exposed to smoke. Fires are largely set deliberately to clear land for agriculture, and police have arrested 72 suspects. Researchers warn of a long fire season due to El Nino.