Kalimantan Fires Push Pollution Past 1,000 As Singapore Turns Hazy

Forest and land fires in Kalimantan have blanketed communities in thick haze, with Central Kalimantan recording an air-pollution index of 1,295 at 8am local time on October 10.

The reading falls within Indonesia's hazardous category under its ISPU index, which differs from Singapore's PSI.

Disaster authorities in Barito Selatan, Central Kalimantan, attributed the thick haze to local forest and land fires.

The district also recorded a PM10 concentration of 1,000 micrograms per cubic metre on October 9, a measure of airborne particles rather than a PSI reading.

Instagram user irdayaa_ shared footage of the conditions, explaining that residents continue commuting and working out of necessity, while expressing hope for better air quality and good health for those affected.

The haze has also affected neighbouring countries. NEA reported smoke plumes from fires across Kalimantan and southern Sumatra, with haze covering parts of Indonesia, Malaysia and Singapore.

In Malaysia, Johor resident, pandafuhh, joked that the Singapore had "disappeared", showing views obscured by haze.

Singapore's 24-hour PSI stood at 118–168 at 6pm on October 10, within the unhealthy range.

Despite forecast showers, prevailing winds could continue bringing smoke towards Singapore, with air quality on October 11 forecast to remain in the unhealthy to high unhealthy range.