World · 3 September 2026

Indonesian wildfires' toxic haze now affects Malaysia and the Philippines

Air quality is now hazardous in parts of Borneo, Malaysia, and the Philippines due to raging wildfires on Indonesia's Borneo and Sumatra islands. The smoke has forced thousands of schools in Indonesia and Malaysia to move classes online since the fires began on 22 July. Indonesia's forestry minister said many fires were deliberately set to clear land for agriculture.

By BriefTea Editorial · 3 September 2026 at 8:02

Reported by Independent · How we write briefs

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Who is affected by the haze? What is being done about it? Why clear land with fire?

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