AGP Executive Report

Transboundary Haze Crisis: Malaysia lifted its Serian, Sarawak haze emergency after API readings fell (down to the low 200s), but officials stressed air quality is still “very unhealthy” in parts of Sarawak and residents should limit outdoor activity. Regional Wildfire Impact: Reports describe weeks of Indonesian wildfires across Kalimantan and Sumatra driving hazardous smoke that disrupted schools, health services, and daily life across borders, with El Niño-linked dry conditions worsening fire spread. Air Quality Monitoring in the Region: Malaysia’s emergency was triggered when Serian’s API hit 521 (above the 500 threshold), while other Sarawak areas also recorded very unhealthy levels, showing how quickly haze can escalate. Brunei & Sustainability Watch: Brunei’s tourism department is inviting stakeholder proposals for Visit Brunei Year 2027, aiming to highlight the country’s natural environment alongside culture and local products. Local Green Mobility: Honda Brunei launched the all-new ZR-V hybrid SUV and the Super-ONE EV, adding more electric mobility options for drivers in Brunei.

Transboundary Haze Crisis: Malaysia lifted its Sarawak haze emergency in Serian after air readings fell (API down to the low 200s), but officials stressed conditions are still “very unhealthy” in parts of Sarawak and residents should limit outdoor activity. Regional Fire Impacts: Reports say Indonesia’s 2026 Kalimantan fires are driving hazardous smoke across borders, forcing school closures and worsening health risks, with dry El Niño conditions making fires harder to control. ASEAN Response Pressure: Indonesia reiterated it is following the ASEAN Agreement on Transboundary Haze Pollution, including regional Alert Level 3 reporting and daily situation updates—while critics argue cooperation isn’t enough without stronger enforcement. Brunei Angle: Brunei has also been experiencing hazy conditions since mid-August, underscoring the shared air problem across Borneo. Local Green Planning: Brunei’s tourism department is inviting stakeholders to propose events for Visit Brunei Year 2027, highlighting Brunei’s natural environment and local experiences. Other Environment-Adjacent Disruption: Indonesia’s Anak Krakatau eruption also disrupted flights, adding ash-related travel strain across the region.

Transboundary Haze Crisis: Malaysia lifted its Sarawak Serian emergency after the Air Pollutant Index fell to the low 200s, but officials warned air quality is still “very unhealthy” in several areas and residents should limit outdoor activity. Regional Health Impacts: Schools were closed and classes moved online in Sarawak and beyond as smoke from Indonesia’s fires choked Borneo and drifted toward Brunei and Singapore, with respiratory complaints rising. Fire Season Pressure: Indonesia’s 2026 fire season is testing ASEAN’s haze-control system, with satellite hotspots and carbon-emission surges tied to dry El Niño conditions and ongoing land-clearing practices. Volcanic Disruption: Separately, Anak Krakatau ash forced extended closures and flight cancellations at Jakarta’s main airport and other hubs, stranding hundreds of thousands of travelers. Local Green Tourism: Brunei’s tourism department is inviting stakeholders to submit proposals for Visit Brunei Year 2027, highlighting cultural heritage and the country’s natural environment. Toxic Online Sales: A toxics watchdog condemned the online sale of mercury-laced banned skin lighteners, urging platforms to block harmful listings.

Transboundary Haze Update: Malaysia has lifted the Sarawak emergency in Serian after air readings fell to the low 200s (API 222 on Monday, down from 519), but officials stress the haze hasn’t fully cleared and several areas remain “very unhealthy,” urging residents to limit outdoor activity. School Disruptions: Earlier closures across Sarawak and other parts of the region were triggered by hazardous smoke from Indonesian wildfires, with home-based learning used where classes were suspended. Regional Fire Pressure: Reports say Indonesia’s fires are still driving extreme haze across Borneo and beyond, linked to dry conditions and El Niño, with millions at health risk and major carbon emissions from ongoing burning. Volcanic Disruption: Separately, Indonesia extended airport closures after Mount Anak Krakatau’s eruption, affecting flights across Java and Sumatra. Brunei Angle: While not directly tied to the haze, Brunei’s environmental context remains in the spotlight as smoke has been reported reaching the country since mid-August.

Transboundary Haze Emergency (Malaysia–Borneo): Malaysia declared a state of emergency in Serian Division, Sarawak after the Air Pollutant Index hit 521 (emergency threshold), with Kuching also recording hazardous readings; 647 schools were set to close and residents were urged to stay indoors and use N95 masks while essential services continued. Regional Health Impacts (ASEAN): The haze from Indonesia’s fires has been worsening across the region, pushing air quality into unhealthy-to-hazardous ranges and disrupting daily life and schooling in multiple places, including warnings that conditions could persist into September. Fire Drivers & Climate Link: Reports point to severe dry conditions tied to El Niño, alongside ongoing land-clearing practices, as major factors behind the fires and the scale of smoke spreading over Borneo and beyond. Brunei Relevance: Coverage notes haze has also been affecting Brunei since mid-August, underscoring the cross-border nature of the problem. Local Green Tech (Brunei): Separately, Toyota Brunei launched the all-electric Urban Cruiser BEV, adding another electrified option for local drivers.

Transboundary Haze Emergency: Malaysia declared a state of emergency in Sarawak’s Serian district after the Air Pollutant Index hit 521, with Kuching also recording hazardous readings, as smoke from Indonesia’s Borneo and Sumatra fires pushed air quality into dangerous territory. Health Impacts: Residents reported breathing trouble and sore throats, while authorities warned people to stay indoors and use N95 masks; schools and non-essential workplaces were ordered to close in the affected area. Regional Spread: The haze has been drifting across Southeast Asia, with Singapore and parts of the Philippines also seeing unhealthy conditions, and forecasts pointing to worsening through September. ASEAN Response: Indonesia said it is working through the ASEAN Agreement on Transboundary Haze Pollution, with the regional Alert Level 3 triggering daily reporting and haze tracking. Brunei Context: The same smoke has been affecting Brunei since mid-August, underscoring how quickly the crisis crosses borders.

Transboundary Haze Crisis: Malaysia declared an emergency in Serian, Sarawak after the Air Pollutant Index hit 521 (hazardous), with Kuching also recording dangerous readings; schools and many non-essential workplaces were ordered to close and cloud-seeding was extended as smoke from Indonesia’s Borneo and Sumatra fires continues to drift across the region. Regional Air Quality Worsens: In Sarawak, six areas logged “very unhealthy” API levels, while ASEAN monitoring reported moderate to thick haze moving toward Sarawak, Sabah and Brunei. Why It’s Getting Worse: Reports link the spike to prolonged dry conditions and “super” El Niño, with Indonesia seeing extreme fire emissions and hundreds of thousands of hotspots, while analysts warn this is no longer just a seasonal nuisance. ASEAN Response Under Pressure: Indonesia said it is meeting its ASEAN Agreement on Transboundary Haze Pollution duties under Regional Alert Level 3, including daily reporting and hotspot tracking—yet campaigners argue enforcement and accountability still lag behind the recurring harm. Local Green Angle: Amid the haze, Brunei also saw a push toward cleaner transport with the launch of the all-electric Toyota Urban Cruiser BEV.

Transboundary Haze Crisis: Indonesia’s Borneo and Sumatra wildfires are driving thick smoke across Southeast Asia, with haze blamed for respiratory problems and school closures, and with El Niño-linked dry conditions keeping the risk high. Brunei Impact: Brunei is among the areas seeing smoke transport from Kalimantan, with regional forecasts warning conditions can persist while fires remain active. Malaysia Emergency Measures: Malaysia declared a state of emergency in Serian, Sarawak after the Air Pollutant Index hit 521 (hazardous), triggering school closures and a cloud-seeding operation, while other Sarawak areas also recorded very unhealthy readings. Regional Coordination: Indonesia says it is handling cross-border impacts through ASEAN mechanisms under the ASEAN Agreement on Transboundary Haze Pollution, with the ASEAN Secretariat running Regional Alert Level 3 and requiring daily situation reports and hotspot tracking. Health Guidance: Authorities across the region are urging residents to limit outdoor exposure and use N95 masks where needed as air quality worsens.

Transboundary Haze Emergency (Sarawak): Malaysia declared an emergency in Serian after the Air Pollutant Index hit 521, with Kuching also recording hazardous levels, as smoke from Indonesia’s Kalimantan wildfires keeps drifting across Borneo and beyond. Public Health Warnings (Brunei-linked region): Authorities across the region urged residents to limit outdoor exposure and use N95 masks; Brunei has also been experiencing hazy conditions since mid-August, with haze tied to ongoing hotspots and dry “super El Niño” conditions. Regional Impact (Schools & daily life): Singapore warned haze could worsen in coming weeks, while the Philippines reported haze effects through early September, including school disruptions in affected areas. ASEAN Haze Cooperation: Malaysia pushed for a science diplomacy and sustainable haze fund to strengthen ASEAN’s transboundary haze response, aiming to improve prevention and support on the ground. Local Sustainability (Brunei): Brunei’s Clean Brunei initiative held a youth dialogue on cleanliness, while China-Brunei training on green rural revival highlighted sustainable agriculture and rural development.

Transboundary Haze Emergency: Malaysia escalated haze response in Sarawak after the Air Pollutant Index hit emergency levels, with Serian soaring to 521 and Kuching to 311—triggering an emergency declaration and possible shutdown of non-essential work when readings exceed 500. Borneo Wildfire Scale: Indonesian fires across Kalimantan and Sumatra are burning vast areas (over 200,000 hectares since early year), with smoke drifting across borders and worsening air quality from Borneo to the Philippines and beyond. Brunei Air Impact: Brunei reported hazy conditions as hotspots surged in western Kalimantan, while regional forecasts warned smoke could continue affecting Brunei and nearby areas as long as fires stay active and winds keep transporting it. Regional Coordination: Malaysia pushed for stronger ASEAN haze cooperation, including a science diplomacy push and a sustainable haze fund, as Singapore and others issue ongoing warnings for the coming weeks. Local Cleanliness Drive: In Brunei, the Clean Brunei initiative held a youth dialogue on cleanliness, drawing nearly 300 participants to discuss practical ways to keep the environment cleaner and more sustainable.

Transboundary Haze Crisis: Indonesia’s Borneo wildfires are driving hazardous smoke across the region, with Singapore warning of worsening haze as El Niño peaks and low rainfall limits natural clearing. Brunei Impact: Brunei has reported hazy conditions linked to hotspots in Kalimantan, with winds carrying smoke toward the sultanate; officials say Brunei’s air readings remain mostly in the good-to-moderate range, but exposure advisories are in place. Regional Response: Malaysia’s Sarawak recorded hazardous air quality in multiple areas and discussed emergency measures, while the Philippines warned haze may persist until Sept 3, improving only if rain and wind shift. Policy Push: Malaysia has proposed a science diplomacy and sustainable haze fund to strengthen ASEAN’s transboundary haze cooperation, aiming for better prevention and support across supply chains. Clean Tech for Food Security: Separately, Malaysia’s Nuklear Malaysia and MADA signed an MoU to use nuclear science for smarter padi farming, including water monitoring, soil and nutrient management, and climate-resilient rice varieties. Local Cleanliness Drive: Brunei’s Clean Brunei initiative held a youth dialogue on cleanliness, urging wider public participation in keeping the environment clean and sustainable.

Transboundary Haze Crisis: Indonesia’s Borneo wildfires are pushing hazardous smoke across the region, with Brunei reporting hazy conditions linked to hotspots in Kalimantan; forecasts warn haze may linger in the Philippines until Sept 3, with air quality tied to wind and rainfall. Local Air Monitoring: Brunei’s air quality readings stayed in the good-to-moderate range despite haze, even as neighbouring Sarawak recorded hazardous levels and schools faced disruptions. Regional Response: Malaysia proposed a science diplomacy and sustainable haze fund to strengthen ASEAN’s transboundary haze cooperation, while Brunei also signalled continued engagement through regional efforts. Brunei in Action: The U.S. and Royal Brunei Air Force launched PACIFIC ANGEL 26-1 at Rimba Air Base, training for search-and-rescue and disaster relief—skills that matter when smoke and extreme weather hit. Cleanliness & Sustainability: Brunei’s Clean Brunei initiative held a youth dialogue on cleanliness, and China-Brunei cooperation advanced sustainable agriculture and rural development training.

Transboundary Haze Crisis: Indonesia’s Kalimantan wildfires are driving hazardous smoke across Borneo and into the Philippines, with haze expected to linger in parts of the Philippines until Sept 3 as winds and ongoing fires keep PM2.5 levels high. Brunei Air Monitoring: Brunei has reported hazy conditions linked to Borneo hotspots, but local air quality readings across districts have stayed in the good-to-moderate range so far. Regional Response Push: Malaysia has proposed a science diplomacy and sustainable haze fund to strengthen ASEAN’s transboundary haze cooperation, while officials discuss tougher coordination as El Niño-linked dry conditions raise the risk of repeat episodes. Wildlife at Risk: Satellite imagery highlights the scale of Borneo fires, including impacts on orangutan habitat, underscoring how land and peat fires are harming biodiversity. Clean Brunei Youth Engagement: Brunei’s Clean Brunei initiative held a youth dialogue on cleanliness, aiming to boost public responsibility for a cleaner, more sustainable environment. Sustainable Agriculture Links: China and Brunei launched an international training course on green rural revival, focusing on sustainable agriculture and rural development. Disaster Readiness Training: Brunei is hosting PACIFIC ANGEL 26-1, a joint U.S.-Brunei search-and-rescue and disaster response exercise.

Transboundary Haze Crisis: Indonesia’s Kalimantan wildfires are again pushing smoke across borders, with the Philippines warning haze may last until Sept 3 as the southwest monsoon keeps transporting pollutants; air quality in parts of Metro Manila hit “very unhealthy” to “acutely unhealthy,” and officials say rain and wind shifts could bring improvement from Sept 4–6. Brunei Air Update: Brunei reported hazy conditions linked to hotspot surges in western Kalimantan (ASMC detected 514–1,734 hotspots over three days), while Brunei’s air readings stayed mostly “good to moderate” at monitoring stations. Malaysia Escalation: Malaysia’s Sarawak faced hazardous air quality in multiple areas, with plans discussed for emergency measures as haze worsened across Borneo and nearby regions. Wildlife Under Threat: Borneo orangutans are facing dire risks as fires tear through their remaining habitat, including rescue cases on palm-oil plantations. Regional Response Talks: Malaysia proposed a science diplomacy and sustainable haze fund to strengthen ASEAN transboundary haze cooperation, aiming to keep prevention and sustainable practices on the ground. Local Cleanliness Push: Brunei’s Clean Brunei initiative held a youth dialogue on cleanliness, drawing nearly 300 participants to discuss ways to build a cleaner, more sustainable environment.

Transboundary Haze Watch: Indonesian fire smoke is still forecast to drift toward the Strait of Malacca and Natuna Sea, with authorities warning it could reach Malaysia, Singapore and Brunei as hotspots ease in some areas but severe pollution persists in parts of Kalimantan. Health Advisories: The Philippines’ DENR-EMB says haze may affect parts of the country from Sept 1–3, with very unhealthy PM2.5 levels prompting school suspensions and calls to limit outdoor exposure and wear N95 masks. Borneo Air Quality Crisis: Malaysia’s Sarawak recorded hazardous air quality in multiple areas, with Kuching and Serian among the worst-hit, and officials preparing for possible haze emergency steps. Wildlife Under Fire: Borneo orangutans are facing mounting danger as wildfires tear through their remaining habitat, with reports of rescues from smoke-affected plantations. Local Brunei Cleanliness Push: Brunei’s Clean Brunei initiative held a youth dialogue on cleanliness, urging wider public responsibility for a cleaner, more sustainable environment. Sustainable Agriculture Link: China and Brunei launched an international training course on green rural revival, focusing on sustainable agriculture and rural development. Judicial Cooperation (Climate & Environment): Brunei and the Philippines signed an MoU to strengthen judicial training and cooperation, including on climate-related disputes and environmental adjudication.

Transboundary Haze Watch: Brunei’s air is being affected by smoke still transported by the southwest monsoon as Indonesian fires remain active, with the Environment and Management Bureau warning haze could linger in the region until Sept 3 and improve only if rainfall and winds shift. Health Advisories: Authorities urged people to limit outdoor exposure and wear N95 masks, as haze is linked to coughing, breathing trouble, and eye irritation. Borneo Air Quality Spike: In Malaysia’s Sarawak, hazardous air quality hit multiple areas, with Sarawak officials preparing for possible emergency measures if the Air Pollutant Index climbs further. Hotspot Surge Across Indonesia: Reports cite thousands of hotspots across Kalimantan and Sumatra, driven by El Niño-fuelled dryness, with smoke drifting toward Malaysia, Singapore, and Brunei. Local Cleanliness Push: Separately, Brunei’s Clean Brunei initiative held a youth dialogue on cleanliness, drawing nearly 300 participants to discuss ways to build a cleaner and more sustainable environment. Sustainable Agriculture Link: China and Brunei launched an international training course on green rural revival, focusing on sustainable agriculture and rural economy under Brunei Vision 2035.