Singapore is currently battling a thick haze that has drifted from fires in Indonesia. The situation is affecting the air you breathe, school schedules and even tourists’ plans, making it important to understand what is happening.

Sustainability and Environment Minister Grace Fu said Singapore’s investigation points to seven Indonesian companies as the source of the haze, naming Bumi Andalas Permai, Bumi Mekar Hijau and SBA Wood Industries among them. These firms are mainly pulpwood and timber suppliers located on Sumatra.

The government will issue “preventative notices” to the firms, ordering them to deploy fire‑fighting teams, stop any burning and submit action plans to Singapore’s National Environmental Agency. Minister Fu added that fines or other charges are “all within our realm of consideration” if the companies fail to comply.

Air quality data from IQAir showed the index at about 230, which is classified as “very unhealthy”. The haze has already triggered a rise in respiratory complaints and forced several schools to close, the ministry noted. Tourists such as Canadian visitor Ron Chambers said the thick haze forced them to abandon sightseeing and stick to ground‑level activities.

By targeting the companies behind the fires, Singapore hopes to improve air quality and protect daily life, even though the haze may linger. The episode highlights how environmental problems in one country can directly affect health and tourism across borders.