Satellite data shows record surge in fire hotspots across Kalimantan and Sumatra
Satellite monitoring reported 326 fire hotspots in Kalimantan, the highest count yet, while Sumatra's hotspots jumped to 303.
The ASEAN Specialised Meteorological Centre said its satellite analysis detected 326 hotspots in Kalimantan, up sharply from 212 on Oct 10. Sumatra also saw a steep rise, with 303 hotspots compared with just 17 earlier in the month. Only one hotspot appeared in Peninsular Malaysia and none in Sabah or Sarawak. The figures rely on NOAA satellite imagery and may be affected by cloud cover or gaps in coverage.
Why it matters
Rising fire hotspots signal escalating environmental and health risks for the region.
How this story developed
- Sep 27 Sumatra forest fires blamed for worsening haze over Johor and nearby regions
- Sep 28 A coalition of civil society and indigenous groups has filed a class-action lawsuit accusing the Indonesian government of failing to prevent massive forest and peatland fires in West Kalimantan.
- Oct 5 The Department of Environment reported that Malaysia contributed only about 3% of fire hotspots detected by satellite in southern Southeast Asia, with most occurring in Indonesia's Kalimantan and Sumatra.
- Oct 10 Kuala Lumpur and Singapore now record AQI levels that place them among the world’s most polluted major cities.
- Oct 10 The class‑action suit moved to a hearing in Pontianak, where no defendants were present.
- Oct 12 Malaysia's foreign minister said he will raise the transboundary haze problem at the upcoming ASEAN foreign ministers gathering, urging stronger regional measures.
- Oct 13 Updated satellite data reveal further growth in Sumatra's fire hotspots.
- Oct 13 Deputy Minister Syed Ibrahim said evidentiary gaps hinder legal action against overseas firms.
In this story
hotspotsfire detectionsatellite imageryKalimanatanSumatraASMCNOAAMalaysiaIndonesia
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