Malaysia, Indonesia step up haze response with weather modification plans

A peatland firefighting task force extinguishes a fire in the Tambang area of Kampar, in the Riau province on August 27, 2026. — AFP pic

First Published: Friday, 28 Aug 2026 5:58 PM MYT

JAKARTA, Aug 28 — Indonesia has confirmed it is coordinating with Malaysia to tackle transboundary haze, with the first order of business being weather modification operations along border areas.

This comes as smoke from forest and land fires in hard-hit West Kalimantan severely affecting air quality across Sarawak, with Air Pollutant Index (API) readings as high as 195 in some areas as of 9am Friday. An API level of 201 and more is considered very unhealthy.

National Disaster Mitigation Agency (BNPB) Data, Information, and Disaster Communication Centre Acting Head, Berton Panjaitan, said the two sides are currently discussing wider efforts to address the haze situation.

“On the haze issue, communication with neighbouring countries continues. With Malaysia, bilateral discussions have taken place and we have agreed to strengthen cooperation, including in prevention, monitoring, and support for weather modification operations,” he told Bernama.

Berton said Malaysia had also conveyed its readiness to help in firefighting efforts.

Jakarta had yet to make an official request for direct firefighting assets such as water-bombing support. However, he noted that the government remains open to cooperation when the need arises and in accordance with existing mechanisms.

Malaysia and Indonesia had on August 24 agreed to intensify prevention and firefighting measures to address transboundary haze, following discussions between Malaysian Natural Resources and Environmental Sustainability Minister Datuk Seri Arthur Joseph Kurup and Indonesian Environment Minister Jumhur Hidayat.

Arthur said Indonesia had also granted permission for Malaysia to enter its airspace to conduct cloud-seeding operations.

The haze is also affecting Kuala Lumpur, Selangor, Penang, Kedah, and Perak which have recorded unhealthy air quality readings.

Meanwhile, the Malaysian Consulate in Pontianak said the haze situation in Kalimantan has worsened this year after no severe haze was reported in 2024 and 2025.

“The haze has worsened today. We comply with all directives issued by the local authorities, including wearing masks, shifting school lessons online, and reducing movement or outdoor activities except when necessary,” the consulate told Bernama.

The consulate said its focus is on the health of the 577 Malaysians registered in West Kalimantan, most of whom reside across Kalimantan as expatriates.

Malaysia has supported local firefighting efforts before. In 2023, the consulate contributed six water pumps to the West Kalimantan Governor’s Office. — Bernama