- Drought and fires are increasing trans-boundary haze risk in Kalimantan, driven by El Nino conditions, affecting regional stability.
- Intensifying dry season and fire risk in Borneo provinces, leading to haze affecting air quality in Sarawak.
- El Nino causes drier conditions in Sumatra and Kalimantan.
- El Nino is causing drought conditions in Sumatra and Kalimantan, leading to increased fire risk and smoke affecting Malaysia.
Transboundary Smoke and Air Quality Pose Food Security Risks in Southeast Asia
What happened
Paul Teng stated that haze is a food security issue in Southeast Asia, affecting crops in addition to public health. Pollutants such as particulate matter and ground-level ozone can reduce photosynthesis, growth, and crop quality. Severe haze also reduces sunlight, which has historically shrunk the output of rice, fruits, and vegetables. Widespread transboundary smoke was reported across the Mekong sub-region during the dry season from December 2025 to May 2026.
From channelnewsasia.com
Why it matters
The air pollution affects agricultural output across the region, as pollutants may carry contaminants that accumulate in plants. This makes air quality a concern for food security, impacting crop yields and quality in affected areas.
El Nino is causing drought conditions in Sumatra and Kalimantan, leading to increased fire risk and smoke affecting Malaysia.
From channelnewsasia.com
Who's involved
- KalimantanKalimantan is part of Borneo and is a source of haze.
- SumatraSumatra is an island in western Indonesia and is a source of haze.
- MalaysiaMalaysia is a geopolitical state affected by cross-border haze.
- Southeast AsiaSoutheast Asia is the region facing food security risks from air pollution.
- IndonesiaIndonesia is the island country experiencing transboundary smoke impacts.
- ThailandThailand is a country in the Mekong sub-region affected by transboundary smoke.
Who could feel it
Possible knock-on effectsThese are possibilities Brind reasoned out, not predictions, and not advice. Most are not stated in any report.
Possible ripples
Who this could reach next, traced step by step from the reporting. Possibilities worth considering, not forecasts.- Smoke from Kalimantan and Sumatra may reduce Indonesian crop yieldsTransboundary smoke may reduce Indonesian crop yields and threaten food securityLikely
- Transboundary smoke may reduce crop yield in SabahTransboundary smoke may reduce crop yield and quality in Sabah's agricultural areas.Possible
- How could transboundary smoke affecting regional crops impact Singapore's food security?Regional crop yields may face pressure from transboundary smokePossible
- Haze from Kalimantan may reduce crop yield and air quality in SarawakHaze from Kalimantan may reduce crop yield and air quality in SarawakPossible
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The entities involved
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Kalimantan
Indonesian part of the island of Borneo
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Sumatra
island in western Indonesia, westernmost of the Sunda Islands
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Malaysia
country in Southeast Asia