SIIA Puts Southeast Asia Haze Risk on Red Alert for Aug-Sept
The report warns that budget pressures in Indonesia and rising farm costs could amplify land-clearing fires.
The Singapore Institute of International Affairs (SIIA) raised its warning on transboundary haze risk in Southeast Asia to red for the rest of 2026, with the peak danger expected in August and September. In its Haze Outlook 2026 report released on Wednesday, SIIA said Brunei, Indonesia, Malaysia and Singapura are in the affected area. The risk is rising because of a possible return of El Nino and a positive Indian Ocean Dipole phase, which could bring hotter, drier weather and heighten the threat of forest and land fires. The report also highlighted economic pressure, including higher fuel and fertilizer costs and stronger demand for biofuel, which could encourage land clearing by burning. SIIA called for stronger ASEAN coordination, funding and prevention measures.