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One of the world’s wealthiest cities is enduring the world’s most polluted air. Here’s why

On Wednesday, Singapore recorded the world's highest air pollution level with an Air Quality Index of 211, according to Swiss monitor IQAir, surpassing Kuala Lumpur for the top spot.
Uncontrolled fires in Sumatra and Kalimantan, exacerbated by dry conditions from an intensifying El Nino, drove the haze as farmers use slash-and-burn practices for land clearing.
In the Malaysian state of Johor, officials closed nearly 200 schools in Batu Pahat on Wednesday after the Air Pollutant Index reached 203, placing conditions in the "very unhealthy" band.
The haze arrives days before the Singapore Grand Prix kicks off on Friday; race organizers said Tuesday they are assessing visibility and health impacts, though a Formula One spokesperson noted no level of concern.
Smoke from Indonesia's wildfire season has caused recurring diplomatic tensions for years; this month the Indonesian government announced more than 160 people and 95 companies are under investigation for suspected involvement in the fires.

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One of the world’s wealthiest cities is enduring the world’s most polluted air. Here’s why

By Laura Sharman, CNN (CNN) — Singapore, one of the wealthiest cities in the world, has become the most polluted on the planet as it chokes under a blanket of thick, toxic smog caused by fires in neighboring Indonesia. Pollution has cast a pall on the city-state as it gets ready to host a packed

1 day ago·Idaho Falls, United States

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Business Times

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Haze in Singapore: PSI hits 184 in central region, a new high for 2026

Highest hourly PM2.5 reading to date in 2026 was recorded in the west at 2 am on Oct 9, peaking at 171 Read more at The Business Times.

1 day ago·Singapore, Singapore

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Bild

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Forest Fires in the Area: Smog Alarm Before the Formula 1 Race in Singapore!

On Wednesday, Singapore was the city with the worst air pollution worldwide. On Sunday, the Formula One race will take place here.

2 days ago·Berlin, Germany

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canadianinquirer.net

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Singapore overtakes Kuala Lumpur as world’s most polluted major city amid Southeast Asian haze

ASM, Philippine Canadian Inquirer October 08, 2026 Singapore overtook Kuala Lumpur as the major city with the worst air quality in the world on Wednesday, October 7. The Malaysian capital […]

2 days ago

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