Indonesia haze sparks Singapore-Malaysia diplomatic tensions
Wildfires in Kalimantan, Papua and Sumatra have spread toxic haze across maritime Southeast Asia, prompting health measures and diplomatic friction.
The story in focus
BBC News reports that wildfires in Indonesia's Kalimantan, Papua and Sumatra regions have produced toxic haze affecting Singapore and Malaysia for weeks, worsened by a strong El Niño. Singapore opened haze shelters and is investigating 10 Singapore-registered companies, while Malaysia's foreign minister ruled out a formal protest.
- Wildfires in Kalimantan, Papua and Sumatra have generated haze affecting Singapore and Malaysia for weeks, worsened by a strong El Niño
- Singapore set up hundreds of haze shelters and is investigating 10 Singapore-registered companies over possible links to the fires
- Singapore's foreign minister met Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto and the two countries announced a joint task force
- Malaysia's foreign minister ruled out a formal diplomatic protest or legal action against Indonesia
- Indonesia announced a reduction in gas exports to Singapore, a cut Singapore says is under 2% of its daily demand
Haze and health response
BBC News reports that wildfires in the Indonesian regions of Kalimantan, Papua and Sumatra have sent toxic smog across maritime Southeast Asia in recent weeks, causing respiratory illnesses and headaches in Singapore and Malaysia. The blazes, an annual occurrence often linked to industrial-scale land clearing for crops such as oil palm, have been harder to control this year because a strong El Niño has worsened drought in forests and peatlands. Unlike past episodes that typically lasted days, this one has stretched into weeks.
Singapore has set up hundreds of haze shelters and distributed masks to children, the elderly and other vulnerable residents. Authorities said they are seeking to strengthen existing haze legislation and are investigating 10 Singapore-registered companies for potential links to the Indonesian wildfires.
Diplomatic friction and regional mechanisms
Singapore's foreign minister Vivian Balakrishnan met Indonesian President Prabowo Subito in Jakarta last week, and the two countries announced a joint task force on the haze. Days later, Indonesia said it would reduce gas exports to Singapore, citing domestic energy needs; Singapore says the cut amounts to less than 2% of its total daily demand. A remark by a senior Indonesian official that oxygen in Singapore and Malaysia also comes from Indonesian forests drew a rebuke from Singapore's senior minister K Shanmugam.
Malaysia's foreign minister Mohamad Hasan ruled out a formal diplomatic protest or legal action, saying such steps would mean being prepared to sever relations. Malaysia agreed to explore a memorandum of understanding with Indonesia on wildfire prevention and will rely on diplomatic mechanisms including the Asean Agreement on Transboundary Haze Pollution, which took effect in 2003.
What measures has Singapore taken in response to the haze?
Singapore set up hundreds of haze shelters, distributed masks to vulnerable residents, said it would strengthen haze legislation and is investigating 10 Singapore-registered companies for potential links to the Indonesian wildfires.
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