Singapore is threatening legal action against companies believed to be responsible for some of the most severe fires in Indonesia in years. The ongoing fires have led to a persistent, acrid haze across the region, causing increasing frustration.
Singaporean Prime Minister Lawrence Wong stated that his government is distributing masks to vulnerable citizens and collaborating with regional countries to address the smoke. He also indicated that Singapore is investigating which companies may be responsible for the fires and exploring potential joint action with other nations.
The haze, a recurring issue in Indonesia, has intensified due to drier-than-usual conditions and slash-and-burn practices, often used to clear land for agriculture, including palm oil production. The thick smoke has drifted into Singapore, Malaysia, Brunei, Timor-Leste, the Philippines, and Vietnam, affecting millions. Consequences include school closures, a spike in respiratory illnesses, and unhealthy air pollution levels.
Indonesia's health ministry has reported nearly 280,000 people in the country suffering from respiratory infections linked to the fires, with over 60,000 cases among children under five. Civil society groups and Indonesian politicians are increasing pressure on Jakarta to declare a national disaster, which would unlock funds and assist with medical expenses.