How do land-clearing practices in Indonesia contribute to transboundary haze?

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Land-Clearing Practices in Indonesia as a Source of Transboundary Haze

Land-clearing practices in Indonesia, particularly those involving burning for palm oil plantations and agricultural purposes, are a significant driver of transboundary haze that affects Malaysia. These fires release substantial particulate matter into the atmosphere, which, when combined with prevailing wind patterns, drifts across borders, degrading air quality in neighbouring regions. This phenomenon has been a recurring environmental issue in Malaysia since the late 1990s, frequently exacerbated by changing weather conditions.
Emissions from Agricultural Fires

The process of clearing land, especially for the expansion of palm oil cultivation and other agricultural activities in Indonesia, frequently involves the use of fire. When these fires occur, they release large quantities of smoke and fine particulate matter. This airborne pollution is not contained within Indonesian borders; instead, it travels across the sea, impacting air quality in Malaysia, particularly in states situated closer to the Indonesian archipelago.
Historical Recurrence of Haze Events

Transboundary haze originating from Indonesian agricultural fires has been a persistent problem for Malaysia, with notable severe events occurring periodically. For instance, significant haze episodes were documented in October 1997, which persisted for several months, leading to international concern and coordinated efforts to mitigate the crisis. More recently, in 2005 and 2015, severe haze events stemming from similar Indonesian fires necessitated the widespread closure of schools across Malaysia due to dangerously high Air Pollutant Index (API) readings.
Impact on Malaysian Air Quality and Public Health

The influx of smoke from Indonesian fires directly contributes to elevated API readings in Malaysia, often reaching unhealthy or even hazardous levels. In August 2005, API readings exceeding 500 in Kuala Selangor and Port Klang led to a state of emergency and school closures in those areas. Similarly, in October 2015, nearly 7,000 schools nationwide were shut down as API levels reached critical thresholds, highlighting the profound impact these transboundary events have on public life and health in Malaysia.

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How do land-clearing practices in Indonesia contribute to transboundary haze?

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