Quick Read
- A burning smell reported across Singapore on March 24 is linked to active forest fires in Malaysia’s Kota Tinggi district.
- Firefighters are currently working to contain a 150-hectare blaze near the Desaru-Pengerang Highway, with 60% of the area still burning.
- The National Environment Agency reports that current 24-hour PSI levels remain within the ‘good’ to ‘moderate’ range.
SINGAPORE (Azat TV) – Residents across parts of Singapore reported a distinct burning smell on Tuesday, March 24, 2026, as smoke plumes from ongoing forest and scrubland fires in eastern Johor, Malaysia, drifted toward the city-state. The National Environment Agency (NEA) confirmed that the smoke is originating from hotspots in the Kota Tinggi district, specifically within the Pengerang and Sedili Kechil areas.
Firefighting Efforts in Kota Tinggi
The primary blaze involves a 150-hectare forest fire situated along the Desaru-Pengerang Highway, located approximately 22 kilometers east of Changi. According to the Johor Fire and Rescue Department (JBPM), the fire has been active since Saturday, March 21, and has been exacerbated by strong winds that have hindered containment efforts. As of the latest reports, firefighters have successfully extinguished about 40 percent of the fire, leaving roughly 90 hectares still burning. A second fire has also been identified in the hilly forest region of Sedili Kechil, roughly 50 kilometers to the north-east of Singapore.
Air Quality Impact and Monitoring
The NEA has been closely monitoring the situation as smoke plumes continue to move in the direction of Singapore. While the agency reported that one-hour PM2.5 levels hit an elevated reading of 69 at 2:00 a.m. on Tuesday, air quality metrics stabilized later in the day. By 8:00 p.m., the one-hour PM2.5 readings had returned to the normal range. Currently, the 24-hour Pollutant Standard Index (PSI) is fluctuating between 43 and 69, placing air quality in the ‘good’ to ‘moderate’ range. Officials continue to advise the public to monitor official updates through the NEA air quality microsite.
Regional Fire Context
The situation in Johor coincides with a broader regional trend of increased wildfire activity. Data from satellite monitoring agencies in Southeast Asia indicates a significant number of hotspots across several neighboring countries, driven by dry conditions and forest zones. While the immediate smell in Singapore is attributed to the localized fires in Kota Tinggi, regional authorities remain on high alert regarding the potential for transboundary haze should these fires remain unchecked or if meteorological conditions shift.
The current situation highlights the persistent vulnerability of the region to transboundary air pollution, where local meteorological conditions and regional forest management challenges can rapidly impact air quality across borders.