Level of Haze Affects Health and Weather in Malay Peninsula

Hazy conditions have reduced visibility and created health hazards in various provinces of Indonesia due to ongoing large-scale forest and agricultural fires in Sumatra Island. ASEAN Specialised Meteorological Centre (ASMC) issued its highest alert level 3, for Sumatra. An alert for the threat of haze was also issued for neighboring countries Malaysia and Singapore.

Advice

Travelers should check the Air Pollutant Index Management System (APIMS) updates and health advisories issued by the authorities, and minimise prolonged or strenuous outdoor physical exertion. High smog levels can cause respiratory problems, especially in travellers with pre-existing heart and lung illness.