Indonesia breathing issues spike to over 170,000 cases amid wildfire haze

South China Morning Post - Sep 22, 2026

More than 170,000 respiratory cases were recorded in regions affected by haze in Indonesia, a health ministry official said on Tuesday, as the country continues its battle to control fires that caused the toxic smog. Blazes in Borneo, Sumatra and Papua have blanketed parts of the vast archipelago of more than 280 million people with haze, as well as neighbouring Malaysia and Singapore, sending air quality indices plummeting. The toxic smog contains pollutants including PM 2.5, a fine particulate...

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Rocking across generations
Sep 22, 2026
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For those about to rock, Bốc Fest salutes you! Eleven artists and bands, from rock veterans Bức Tường and Hải Bột to younger acts like RHYDER, The Flob and Lexxy, brought different musical styles together at Gia Lâm Train Factory. Specially staged collaborations made the first edition a unique cross-generational rock experience for younger audiences.

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Sep 22, 2026
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Hà Nội's Hàng Mã Street has transformed into a bustling pedestrian market ahead of the 2026 Mid-Autumn Festival. From traditional papier-mâché masks to a sea of illuminated lanterns, swipe through to experience the capital's most vibrant autumn nights.

Indonesia presses ahead with Russian oil imports despite ‘real risk’ of US penalties
Sep 22, 2026
Indonesia presses ahead with Russian oil imports despite ‘real risk’ of US penalties

Indonesia plans to press ahead with discounted Russian crude oil imports to secure domestic energy supplies and manage fiscal pressures, despite the risk of higher US tariffs as Washington moves to tighten economic pressure on Moscow. On Friday, US President Donald Trump signed into law an act that would give him authority to impose sanctions on Russia and slap tariffs of up to 100 per cent on the top five buyers of Russian crude oil, gas and military equipment, or countries that help Moscow...

N Sembilan crisis deepens as exco suspends state secretary, legal adviser
Sep 22, 2026
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Police arrest directors of youth-led NGO Mandiri in Amla probe
Sep 22, 2026
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UPDATED 7.18PM | 'Intimidation' allegation as accounts frozen, barred from travel.

King of Thailand’s estranged son seeks return for urgent brain surgery
Sep 22, 2026
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Malaysian resort investigated after Chinese tourist allegedly molested
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