Singapore Ranks as the World’s Most Polluted City Amid Toxic Haze from Indonesian Wildfires

Singapore, one of the world’s wealthiest cities, has topped the list of the world’s most polluted cities as thick, toxic smoke from wildfires in neighboring Indonesia has severely deteriorated air quality across the region.

Smoke from ongoing forest fires in Indonesia has reportedly contributed to tens of thousands of respiratory illness cases since August. The haze has affected not only Indonesia but also Malaysia and Singapore.

According to data from Swiss air quality monitoring company IQAir, Singapore has become the world’s most polluted city due to a dense layer of toxic smoke drifting from wildfires in neighboring Indonesia.

IQAir data showed that Singapore’s Air Quality Index (AQI) reached 216, indicating very unhealthy air quality.

Singapore’s National Environment Agency said the haze was linked to recent dry conditions in the region and fires in parts of Indonesia. Authorities issued regular public advisories, urging residents to drink plenty of water and reduce outdoor activities.

Schools were instructed to limit prolonged outdoor activities, while some educational institutions received air purifiers for use in classrooms.

Malaysia’s capital, Kuala Lumpur, which has also been affected by smoke from Indonesian wildfires, ranked second on the list of the world’s most polluted cities.

Air Quality Index Categories

The Air Quality Index is generally classified as follows:

• 0–50: Good

• 51–100: Moderate

• 101–150: Unhealthy for sensitive groups

• 151–200: Unhealthy

• 201–300: Very unhealthy

• 301–500: Hazardous

Schools Closed Across Several Malaysian States

Air quality in Malaysia’s Johor state also reached very unhealthy levels, prompting authorities to close all schools in the state for two days.

Classes were also suspended in several other areas because of deteriorating air quality, including Malacca, Negeri Sembilan, and Selangor, the state where Kuala Lumpur is located.

Officials ordered additional school closures if the air pollution index exceeded 180.

Malaysia’s Education Minister, Fadhlina Sidek, said:

“I have asked all state education departments and district education offices to continue monitoring the haze and take immediate action whenever the situation requires it.”

Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim also called on ministers from member states of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) to meet and coordinate regional efforts to address the air pollution crisis.

Indonesia’s Health Ministry reported approximately 175,000 cases of respiratory infections associated with the fires between July and September.

Experts said the strong El Niño climate phenomenon observed this year had intensified drought conditions, contributing to the spread of wildfires and worsening air pollution across Southeast Asia.