Indonesia warns against starting open blazes as haze from wildfires spreads to Malaysia
Summary
Large wildfires on the island of Borneo, mainly in Indonesia, have created thick haze that has spread to Malaysia, causing health and travel problems. Indonesian authorities are warning people not to start fires and are investigating and detaining suspects involved in illegal burning.Key Facts
- The fires are mostly on Borneo, an island shared by Indonesia, Malaysia, and Brunei, with Indonesia controlling about three-quarters of it.
- Over 5,000 fire hotspots were recorded by Indonesia’s Forestry Ministry recently.
- The smoke has caused very low visibility, traffic accidents, and flight delays.
- Malaysia’s Sarawak state closed nearly 600 schools due to unhealthy air quality affecting about 200,000 students.
- Indonesian police detained 12 people suspected of starting fires or clearing land illegally.
- Indonesia’s Forestry Minister promised strict legal action against those responsible for fires.
- In July alone, about 182,000 hectares (450,000 acres) burned, nearly twice the amount in the first six months of the year.
- Fires are often started illegally to clear land for farms or plantations, causing seasonal haze that affects Southeast Asia.
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