Key facts
- Kuala Lumpur was ranked the world's most polluted major city on Wednesday.
- Singapore ranked third globally with an Air Quality Index (AQI) of 155.
- Smoke from Indonesian wildfires on Borneo and Sumatra islands is blamed for the haze.
- The AQI reading in Kuala Lumpur was 166.
- Readings above 150 on the AQI are classified as unhealthy.
Kuala Lumpur was ranked the world's most polluted major city on Wednesday, with Singapore coming in third, as smoke from wildfires in neighboring Indonesia has created unhealthy conditions. The cities have been shrouded in a milky haze for over a month due to smoke drifting from fires on Borneo and Sumatra islands.
According to Swiss monitor IQAir, Kuala Lumpur registered an Air Quality Index (AQI) reading of 166 early Wednesday, while Singapore was at 155. The AQI converts pollutant measurements into a single figure indicating air quality and potential health risks, with readings above 150 classified as unhealthy and above 300 as hazardous.
Residents have reported impacts on health and visibility. Izzah Irdina, a 22-year-old graduate from Kuala Lumpur, noted she could not even see the Merdeka 118 building due to the haze and expressed hope for its end in two months. Anusuriyeh, 41, described the situation as a natural disaster and is taking daily vitamins with her children, while wearing masks. Petronas employee Anusuriyeh stated she was unsure when the haze would end.
Transboundary haze is a recurring issue in Southeast Asia, but this year's episode has been particularly severe. Hot, dry conditions linked to the El Nino weather phenomenon have fueled the fires in Indonesia, which are also associated with land clearing, making containment difficult.
In Singapore, 18-year-old student Darius Chew, who suffers from allergic rhinitis, has reduced his sporting activities due to the haze. Fellow student Ryan Ang, 18, who has asthma, reported increased sneezing and runny nose. Retired Singaporean Athirah Abudullah, 69, spends most of her time indoors but noted her granddaughter with eczema has been affected.