Johor Fires & Haze: Smoke Plumes Drift Towards Singapore | NEA Update

Smoke plumes from fires in eastern Johor, Malaysia, are drifting towards Singapore, according to the Singapore National Environment Agency (NEA). The NEA issued a statement on Monday evening confirming the observation of hotspots and the resulting haze.

At least two fires are currently listed as “severe” within 50 kilometers of Singapore, located in the Kota Tinggi district of Johor. One significant fire has been burning along the Desaru-Pengerang Highway since Saturday, March 21, encompassing approximately 150 hectares of forest and scrubland. Firefighters have managed to extinguish around 40 percent of the affected area, or 60 hectares, although the remaining 90 hectares continue to burn, according to Bernama, the Malaysian national news agency.

The Johor Fire and Rescue Department (JBPM) reported that strong winds are contributing to the rapid spread of the flames. A second fire is burning in Sedili Kechil, also within Kota Tinggi, approximately 50 kilometers northeast of Singapore. The size of the affected area in Sedili Kechil is still being assessed, with firefighters responding to a blaze in a hilly forest area on Monday night.

The NEA stated on Facebook that it continues to monitor the air quality closely. The agency’s observations correlate with alerts on Google Maps’ crisis-related features, which highlight the fires in Pengerang and Sedili Kechil. A Reddit post also noted the smoke plume observed over eastern Singapore earlier today.

The Desaru-Pengerang Highway fire began during the Hari Raya Puasa celebrations, further complicating firefighting efforts. The affected area is approximately 22 kilometers east of Changi, Singapore’s easternmost point.

As of Tuesday afternoon, the NEA had not issued any advisories regarding outdoor activities or health precautions, but continues to monitor the situation.