Culture & Entertainment · Malaysia Bureau
Thick haze blankets Indonesia, forces East Timor school closures
Severe air pollution has engulfed parts of Indonesia, with skies turning orange across affected regions. The deteriorating conditions have prompted authorities in neighbouring East Timor to shut schools as a precautionary measure.
LSN Malaysia ·
Residents across Indonesian regions, particularly in Palangkaraya in Kalimantan, have experienced hazardous air quality conditions in recent days. The sky took on a deep orange hue Wednesday evening before shifting to a murky yellow the following day, creating hazardous visibility and air quality concerns for residents.
The regional haze event has extended beyond Indonesia's borders, affecting air quality in East Timor. Authorities there have implemented precautionary measures, including the closure of schools as visibility and air quality deteriorated to unsafe levels for children and outdoor activities.
The recurring haze phenomenon in Southeast Asia typically results from transboundary air pollution, often linked to agricultural burning and forest fires during dry seasons. Residents and authorities across the region regularly monitor air quality indices during these periods, implementing restrictions and closures when pollution levels pose health risks.
Regional cooperation on air quality management remains an ongoing concern for Southeast Asian nations. The latest incident underscores the transnational nature of the region's air pollution challenges and the need for coordinated environmental responses across borders.