Indonesia’s Widodo orders tough action against fire starters as Southeast Asia’s haze forces school closures and flight diversions

Indonesian President Joko Widodo has called for strong action against anyone caught lighting fires to clear forested land, as a worsening haze blanketed the north of the country and neighbouring Singapore and Malaysia.

Southeast Asia has suffered for years from annual bouts of smog caused by slash-and-burn practices in Indonesia’s Sumatra and Kalimantan islands, but governments in the region have failed to address the problem.

Air quality dipped to "unhealthy levels" in Malaysia and Singapore this week. Schools were closed in several Malaysian states and some flights were disrupted on Tuesday due to poor visibility. The haze can cause respiratory problems, and irritate the eyes and throat.

Organisers of the Formula One night race in Singapore this weekend, which will also include outdoor concerts by Maroon 5 and Bon Jovi, said they have a "contingency plan" for the haze and will work with relevant agencies before making any decisions on the event.

Singapore’s schools will suspend outdoor and physical activities when pollution levels are in the "very unhealthy" range, the education ministry said, and will consider closing primary and secondary schools when it reaches a "hazardous" level. The pollutant index peaked at 401 in June 2013, forcing schools in Singapore to scrap activities during the term break.