Haze Shuts Timor-Leste Schools, Singapore Pollution Peaks

Smoke from Indonesia’s wildfires has driven Singapore’s one-hour PM2.5 reading to 284 micrograms per cubic meter in the west, its highest level this year, while 24-hour PSI readings remained in the unhealthy range. Timor-Leste suspended in-person schooling nationwide from October 15 to 17 to protect students from hazardous air, and some Malaysian areas have also closed schools. Singapore, by contrast, says it will consider closing schools only if the next day’s 24-hour PSI forecast exceeds 300; it has activated its haze task force and prepared support for vulnerable residents if pollution worsens. Indonesia has increased its firefighting deployment as the fires fuel haze and health concerns across the region.