Forest fires

Thailand closes high-risk forests nationwide to fight wildfires and haze

Under the new measures, outsiders will be strictly barred from entering some areas in order to reduce the risk of human-caused fires.

Deforestation surge, El Nino raise fears of repeat of Indonesia’s 2015 haze crisis

This handout photo taken in Merauke regency, South Papua, on March 17, 2025 and released by Mighty Earth shows a deforested area that will be converted into a sugar cane plantation.

Fire hot spots and scant rain raise haze alarm in South-east Asia

Firefighters work to extinguish a wildfire burning on peatland in Rimba Panjang, Riau province in Indonesia.

Thailand closes parks with high fire risk, warns of 20 years jail for those who burn illegally

Anyone found setting fire to forests in national parks or wildlife sanctuary areas faces jail terms of between four and 20 years, fines ranging from 400,000 baht to 2 million baht, or both.

Tech-equipped Indigenous firefighters protect Thai forests

Volunteer firefighters from Hmong Doi Pui village using leaf blowers to clear a firebreak in the Doi Suthep-Pui National Park area of Chiang Mai on March 16.

Indonesia’s Bintan declares forest fire emergency, Dumai blanketed in smoke

Smoke is seen billowing in the background while grass dries out at a forest and land fire location in Berakit village in Bintan Regency, Riau Islands.

Major forest fire in Johor under control, say Malaysian authorities

A total of 35 firefighters have been deployed, as well as personnel from several agencies including the police, Civil Defence Force and Environment Department.

Stop all open burning activities, urges Malaysia’s Fire and Rescue Department

Firemen working on extinguishing the fire near the Desaru-Pengerang highway in Johor.

Forest fires sweep Batam, threatening electrical supply, flights

Firefighters work to extinguish a wildfire burning on peatland in Rimba Panjang, Riau province on July 20, 2025. (Photo by Wahyudi / AFP)

Thick smoke from Riau forest fires disrupts Hari Raya travel for Indonesians

Firefighters work to extinguish a wildfire burning on peatland in Rimba Panjang, Riau province on July 20, 2025.

E-paper

Newsletters

Podcasts

RSS Feed

About Us

Terms & Conditions

Personal Data Protection Notice

Need help? Reach us here.

Advertise with us

MDDI (P) 046/10/2025. Published by SPH Media Limited, Co. Regn. No.202120748H. Copyright © 2026 SPH Media Limited. All rights reserved.