Malaysia declares a state of emergency and the Philippines suspends classes due to air pollution following fires in Indonesia

Malaysia has declared a state of emergency in the locality of Serian, located within the state of Sarawak, due to severe air pollution. The measure was enacted after the official air quality index reached a critical level of 521 points.

Simultaneously, the environmental crisis—triggered by fires in Indonesia—has prompted authorities in the Philippines to suspend classes in response to the hazardous atmospheric conditions affecting the region.