Singapore pollution hits new high, Malaysia shuts 200 schools amid haze from Indonesia fires
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Singapore is urging people to remain indoors amid unprecedented levels of air pollution after a smoky haze wrought by forest fires in neighboring Indonesia worsened dramatically. Nearby Malaysia has closed 200 schools.
Singapore's main measure for air pollution surged to an all-time high Thursday afternoon and breached a "hazardous" classification that can aggravate respiratory ailments.
Business and flights have not been disrupted, but the smog has strained diplomatic ties between Singapore and Indonesia. Officials in the city-state say Jakarta must do more to halt fires on Sumatra island started by plantation owners and farmers to clear land cheaply.
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Singapore's Environment Minister Vivian Balakrishnan said Thursday that "no country or corporation has the right to pollute the air at the expense of Singaporeans' health and wellbeing."