AGP Executive Report

Transboundary Haze: Brunei is experiencing hazy conditions as smoke from hundreds of Borneo hotspots drifts in on southwesterly winds, with ASMC satellite counts rising to 1,734 hotspots on Friday and Brunei’s air quality still reported in the good-to-moderate range. Cross-border Air Risk: Indonesia’s forest and land fires are also sending PM2.5 toward the Malacca Strait and Natuna Sea, raising the risk of haze affecting Malaysia, Singapore and Brunei, while Indonesia’s hazardous air readings in Kalimantan underscore how fast conditions can worsen. Health Impacts: In Indonesia, El Niño-fuelled wildfires are pushing millions toward respiratory problems, with schools closed in some areas and residents reporting severe eye irritation and breathing difficulties. Regional Response: Malaysia and Indonesia are coordinating haze mitigation, including cloud-seeding access for Malaysian aircraft in Indonesian airspace, as both countries prepare for worsening conditions into October. On-the-ground Firefighting: Indonesia is ramping up both ground and aerial firefighting, with water-bombing and patrol flights, while authorities also move to revoke permits of companies linked to fires.

Transboundary Haze Crisis: Indonesia’s El Niño-fuelled wildfires are choking parts of Borneo and Sumatra, putting about 3.4 million people at risk of respiratory infections and forcing school closures as smoke drifts into Malaysia and Brunei; Indonesia is ramping up ground and aerial firefighting, resuming cloud seeding, and arresting suspects linked to forest and peatland fires. Regional Coordination: Malaysia and Brunei have agreed to raise the haze issue through ASEAN channels, with Malaysia preparing an official letter to the ASEAN Secretariat. Climate Resilience in ASEAN Security: Philippines environment officials are pushing for climate resilience to be built into ASEAN’s security agenda, arguing disasters and fisheries impacts cross borders. South China Sea Environment Link: Satellite imagery reports new radar/early-warning style installations near Antelope Reef, underscoring how militarisation can complicate regional stability and maritime governance. Local Green Angle: Brunei’s Imperial Motors has been appointed authorised distributor of XPENG electric vehicles, adding another sustainable mobility option for customers.

Transboundary haze crisis: Indonesia’s El Niño-fuelled wildfires are sending choking smoke across Borneo and Sumatra, putting 3.4 million people at risk of respiratory infections and forcing school closures in places like Pekanbaru, while Malaysia and Brunei feel the impact too. Regional response: Malaysia and Brunei agreed to raise the haze issue at ASEAN level, and Indonesia has authorised Malaysian cloud-seeding aircraft to operate in its airspace to help curb the fires. Firefighting escalation: Indonesia is ramping up ground and aerial firefighting, including water-bombing helicopters and cloud-seeding, while police arrest 72 people suspected of starting forest and peatland fires and investigations target companies accused of using fire for land clearing. Climate resilience in ASEAN security: Philippines environment officials are pushing for climate resilience to be built into ASEAN’s security agenda, arguing disasters and supply-chain shocks don’t stop at borders. South China Sea militarisation: Satellite imagery reports new installations on Yagong Island near Antelope Reef, adding to concerns about expanding radar/early-warning capabilities in a more militarised Paracels area.

Transboundary Haze Crisis: Indonesia’s El Niño-fuelled wildfires are pushing thick smoke across Borneo and Sumatra, putting about 3.4 million people at risk of respiratory infections, forcing school closures, and prompting Malaysia and Brunei to escalate the issue at ASEAN level. Cross-border Response: Malaysia says Indonesia has cleared Malaysian cloud-seeding aircraft to operate in Indonesian airspace, while Indonesia ramps up ground and aerial firefighting and arrests suspects linked to forest and peatland fires. Regional Cooperation: Malaysia and Brunei agreed to use an ASEAN mechanism to tackle the recurring haze problem. Local Impacts in Indonesia: In South Sumatra, residents held “salat istisqa” prayers for rain as hotspots remain high and haze continues to disrupt daily life. South China Sea Watch: Satellite imagery reports new installations on Yagong Island near Antelope Reef, raising concerns about expanding early-warning radar infrastructure. Brunei Angle (Clean Mobility): Imperial Motors in Brunei has been appointed authorised distributor of XPENG electric vehicles, adding more sustainable mobility options.

Transboundary Haze Crisis: Indonesia’s El Niño-fuelled wildfires are choking parts of Borneo and Sumatra, putting 3.4 million people at risk of respiratory infections, forcing school closures, and sending smoke into Malaysia and Brunei. Cross-Border Response: Malaysia says Indonesia has cleared Malaysian cloud-seeding aircraft to operate in Indonesian airspace, while both countries push prevention and early suppression ahead of worsening conditions. Accountability Moves: Indonesia says it will revoke permits of companies linked to forest fires, as police arrest 72 suspects and probe whether corporations ordered burning. ASEAN Coordination: Malaysia and Brunei agree to raise the transboundary haze issue through ASEAN mechanisms. Local Action in Indonesia: In South Sumatra, residents held a special rain prayer (salat istisqa) as hotspots remain high. Brunei Angle: Imperial Motors in Brunei has been appointed authorised distributor of XPENG electric vehicles, adding another sustainable mobility option for customers. Regional Community Event: MAPIM will host a Regional Mosque Conference 2026 in Ipoh with participation including Brunei.

Transboundary Haze Crisis: Indonesia’s El Niño-fuelled wildfires are choking parts of Borneo and Sumatra, putting about 3.4 million people at risk of respiratory infections as schools close and residents in cities like Pekanbaru and Jambi report coughing, breathing trouble and stinging eyes; smoke is also drifting into Malaysia and Brunei. Cross-border Response: Malaysia says Indonesia has cleared Malaysian cloud-seeding aircraft to operate in Indonesian airspace, while Malaysia and Brunei agree to push the haze issue through ASEAN mechanisms. Accountability Push: Indonesia has arrested 72 people suspected of starting forest and peatland fires and is investigating companies, with President Prabowo warning permits could be revoked for those found responsible. ASEAN Climate Security: Philippines environment officials urge climate resilience to be built into ASEAN’s regional security agenda. South China Sea Watch: Satellite imagery reviewed by Reuters shows new installations on Yagong Island near Antelope Reef, raising concerns about expanding early-warning capabilities. Local Green Angle: Brunei’s Imperial Motors appoints XPENG as an authorised distributor, adding another electric mobility option for sustainable transport.

Transboundary Haze Crisis: Indonesia’s El Niño-fuelled wildfires are choking parts of Borneo and Sumatra, putting about 3.4 million people at risk of respiratory infections as thick smoke reaches Malaysia and Brunei; schools have been shut in places like Pekanbaru, and residents describe burning-smoke air and worsening breathing problems. Fire Response & Accountability: Indonesia is ramping up ground and aerial firefighting, resuming cloud seeding and deploying helicopters, while police arrest 72 people suspected of starting forest and peatland fires and investigate whether companies ordered land burning. ASEAN Coordination: Malaysia and Brunei have agreed to raise the transboundary haze issue at ASEAN level, pushing for use of regional mechanisms to tackle recurring smoke. Climate Resilience in Security: ASEAN environment officials are urging climate resilience to be built into the region’s security agenda, arguing disasters and supply-chain shocks don’t stop at borders. Brunei Mobility (Electric Vehicles): Imperial Motors in Brunei has been appointed authorised distributor of XPENG, adding another electric mobility option to the local market.

Transboundary Haze Crisis: Indonesia’s El Niño-fuelled wildfires are choking parts of Borneo and Sumatra, with the health ministry warning 3.4 million people across seven provinces face respiratory risks as schools close and residents stay indoors with masks. Cross-border Response: Indonesia has authorised Malaysian cloud-seeding aircraft to operate in its airspace, while Malaysia and Brunei are pushing to raise the haze issue through ASEAN mechanisms. Firefighting & Accountability: Authorities report intensified ground and aerial firefighting, resumed cloud-seeding, and the arrest of 72 people suspected of starting forest and peatland fires, with investigations also targeting alleged corporate involvement. On-the-ground Impact: In places like Pekanbaru and Jambi, thick smog is disrupting daily life and driving coughing and breathing trouble, as emergency measures expand. Climate Resilience in ASEAN: Philippines environment officials are urging climate resilience to be built into ASEAN’s regional security agenda, arguing disasters and supply-chain shocks spill across borders.

Transboundary Haze Crisis: Indonesia’s El Niño-fuelled wildfires are pushing dangerous smoke across Borneo and beyond, with the health ministry warning 3.4 million people in seven provinces face respiratory infection risk as schools close and residents are told to stay indoors. Cross-Border Response: Malaysia says Indonesia has cleared Malaysian cloud-seeding aircraft to operate in Indonesian airspace, while Malaysia and Brunei also agreed to raise the haze issue through ASEAN mechanisms. Enforcement on Fires: Indonesia has arrested 72 people suspected of starting forest and peatland fires and is investigating alleged corporate involvement, with President Prabowo warning permits could be revoked for those behind burning. On-the-Ground Impact: In South Sumatra, thousands joined “salat istisqa” prayers for rain as haze worsened visibility and disrupted daily life, while firefighting ramps up with ground crews, aircraft, and cloud-seeding. Local Green Mobility (Brunei): Imperial Motors in Brunei has been appointed authorised distributor of XPENG electric vehicles, adding another EV option to the local market.

Transboundary Haze Crisis: Thick, El Niño-fuelled wildfire smoke is putting millions of Indonesians at risk, with officials warning about respiratory infections as schools close and people stay indoors or wear masks across Borneo and Sumatra. Cross-border Response: Indonesia is stepping up firefighting and has authorised Malaysia to use cloud-seeding aircraft in Indonesian airspace, while Malaysia and Brunei are pushing to raise the haze issue through ASEAN mechanisms. Accountability Measures: Indonesian police have arrested 72 people suspected of starting forest and peatland fires, with investigations also looking at possible company involvement behind land burning. Regional Climate Security: ASEAN officials and diplomats are calling for climate resilience to be built into the region’s security agenda, arguing disasters and supply-chain shocks don’t stop at borders. Local Brunei Angle: Brunei is directly affected by the haze drift, and regional coordination is being framed as the practical route to protect health and reduce disruption.

Transboundary Haze Crisis: Indonesia’s forest and peatland fires are worsening under intensifying El Niño, sending choking smoke across Borneo to Malaysia and Brunei; South Sumatra’s hotspots remain highest (1,429), while authorities report nearly 940 sq km burned in July and keep cloud-seeding and water-bombing running. Regional Diplomacy: Malaysia and Brunei have agreed to push the haze issue through ASEAN mechanisms, with Malaysia preparing letters to the ASEAN Secretariat and Indonesia coordinating via its own channels. Enforcement Push: Indonesia says it has arrested 72 people suspected of starting fires and is investigating companies, with President Prabowo warning permits could be revoked if corporations are found responsible. Public Health Impacts: In Kalimantan, respiratory strain is rising and some schools have shifted to online learning as visibility drops. ASEAN Climate Security: Philippines environment officials are urging climate resilience to be built into ASEAN’s security agenda. South China Sea Militarisation: Satellite imagery shows new installations on Yagong Island near Antelope Reef, adding to concerns about expanding infrastructure in the Paracels.

Transboundary Haze Response: Indonesia has authorised Malaysian agencies to enter its airspace for cloud seeding as forest and peatland fires keep pushing smoke across Borneo, with Malaysia and Indonesia coordinating timing near the border and pledging stronger prevention ahead of worsening El Niño conditions. Wildfire Crisis in Indonesia: In South Sumatra, authorities say thousands joined “salat istisqa” (prayer for rain) in Palembang as satellite data shows 1,429 hotspots, while haze continues to disrupt daily life and cross-border visibility. Enforcement and Accountability: Indonesia also arrested 72 people suspected of starting forest and peatland fires and is investigating alleged corporate involvement, with President Prabowo saying permits of responsible companies could be revoked. ASEAN Diplomacy: Malaysia and Brunei agreed to raise the haze issue through ASEAN mechanisms, urging regional coordination to tackle the recurring pollution problem. Climate Resilience in Security: ASEAN environment officials are calling for climate resilience to be built into the region’s security agenda, arguing disasters and supply-chain shocks don’t stop at borders.

Transboundary Haze: Malaysia and Brunei have agreed to tackle Indonesia’s recurring forest and peatland haze through ASEAN diplomatic channels, with Malaysia set to send an official letter to the ASEAN Secretariat and both sides pushing their foreign ministries to coordinate. Wildfire Response: Indonesia has ramped up ground and aerial firefighting as massive blazes scorch thousands of hectares, with smoke drifting into Malaysia and Brunei; President Prabowo also ordered more support, including water-bombing helicopters and oxygen supplies. Crackdown on Arson: Indonesian police arrested 72 people suspected of starting forest and peatland fires, while investigators also probe alleged arson linked to land-clearing by companies. Regional Pressure: ASEAN officials and ministers are urging faster cross-border action as El Niño-driven dry conditions keep fires active across Borneo and Sumatra, worsening air quality and visibility. Local Climate Story: A viral “forest hero” teen in Indonesia—dressed as Superman—has drawn attention to volunteer firefighting efforts on smouldering peatland.

Transboundary Haze Crisis: Indonesia escalated ground and aerial firefighting as major forest and peatland blazes in central and western regions scorched thousands of hectares, driving choking smoke that crossed into Malaysia and Brunei, with President Prabowo urging tighter documentation and deploying more water-bombing helicopters and oxygen supplies. Arrests Over Fire-Setting: Police arrested 72 people suspected of deliberately starting forest and peatland fires, linked to 89 cases across Borneo and Sumatra, while investigators trace financial records to see whether companies benefited. Regional Coordination: Malaysia and Brunei agreed to use ASEAN diplomatic channels to tackle the haze, with Malaysia set to write to the ASEAN Secretariat and foreign minister Mohamad Hasan saying ASEAN is the best platform. Borneo Fire Response Boost: Indonesia also moved to deploy an additional 1,500 soldiers to Borneo and send six helicopters to help stop new fire spots as dry El Niño conditions persist. Local Climate Resilience Story: An Indonesian teen “Superman” volunteer firefighter, Rudiyansah, gained viral attention for helping douse smouldering peatland fires, highlighting community action amid the smoke emergency. Biodiversity Watch: A new report flags many threatened oak species across Southeast and East Asia as under severe pressure, calling for targeted surveys and stronger protected areas.

Transboundary Haze Response: Malaysia and Brunei agreed to tackle returning transboundary haze through ASEAN diplomatic channels, with Malaysia set to write to the ASEAN Secretariat and both sides urging coordinated regional action. Borneo Wildfires & Haze Fallout: Indonesia is battling major forest and peatland fires across Borneo and beyond, with smoke spreading and haze affecting Indonesia, Malaysia and Brunei; authorities link the blazes to dry conditions and El Niño, and say plantation and land-clearing burning is a key driver. Arrests Over Fire-Setting: Indonesian police arrested 72 people suspected of starting forest and peatland fires, investigating dozens of cases and tracing whether larger interests financed or directed the burning. More Firefighting Resources: Indonesia also plans to deploy an additional 1,500 soldiers to Borneo and send helicopters to boost waterbombing, aiming to stop new fire spots from spreading. Local Climate Action Spotlight: An Indonesian teen “Superman” volunteer firefighter gained attention for helping douse peatland smoulders, highlighting community efforts during the haze crisis. Regional Environment Cooperation: Indonesia and the EU discussed strengthening cooperation on sustainable forest management and legally sourced forest trade, including alignment with EU rules. Green Tech for Brunei’s Built Environment: Neocrete’s low-carbon concrete additives—already deployed in Brunei’s Muara Port redevelopment—received a fresh US$3.5m funding boost to expand further, supporting lower-carbon construction at scale.

Wildfire & haze response: Indonesia is escalating its Borneo wildfire fight, sending an extra 1,500 soldiers and six helicopters as fires between January and July burned over 200,000 hectares and thick smog spreads across the island shared with Brunei and Malaysia. Community action: In Palangkaraya, an Indonesian teen volunteer firefighter, Rudiyansah, has gone viral for helping douse smouldering peatland while wearing a Superman costume—earning him a “forest hero” title. Regional haze diplomacy: Malaysia and Brunei agreed to use ASEAN diplomatic channels to tackle transboundary haze, with Malaysia set to write to the ASEAN Secretariat and both sides urging coordinated action. Biodiversity under pressure: A new report flags Southeast Asia as a hotspot for threatened oak species, calling for targeted surveys, expanded protected areas, and restoration work. Cleaner construction in Brunei: Neocrete’s low-carbon concrete additives—already deployed at scale in Brunei’s Muara Port redevelopment—received US$3.5m funding to expand further, aiming to cut both carbon and cost. Public stewardship: Singapore’s Public Hygiene Council is rolling out a “Keep Singapore Clean” campaign on trains and buses, with ASEAN community clean-ups including Brunei participants.