Indonesia has granted official permission for Malaysian aircraft to enter its airspace to conduct cloud seeding along the shared border, aiming to combat haze caused by forest and land fires, officials announced on August 24, 2026 [1, 2, 3]. Malaysia’s National Disaster Management Agency and Meteorological Department are coordinating closely with the Indonesian military to prepare the cloud seeding schedule and logistics [1, 2].
The haze problem is most severe in Sarawak, the Malaysian state bordering Indonesia’s Kalimantan province on the island of Borneo. As of August 24, six districts in Sarawak reported unhealthy air pollution index readings, with similar haze-affected areas across other Malaysian states [1, 3]. Malaysia is escalating firefighting and fire prevention measures ahead of its 69th National Day on August 31 and Malaysia Day on September 16, which will be celebrated in Kuching, Sarawak. Datuk Seri Arthur Joseph Kurup, Malaysia's Natural Resources and Environmental Sustainability Minister, said, "These measures are critical to ensuring that air quality improves ahead of Malaysia's 69th National Day on Aug 31 and Malaysia Day on Sept 16, which will be held in Kuching, Sarawak" [2].
The haze stems from forest and land fires in Indonesia, worsened by El Nino weather patterns and the Southwest Monsoon that have intensified fire risks this year. About 285,000 hectares (704,000 acres) have burned so far, exposing approximately 3 million people to smoke, according to Indonesia's Health Minister [3]. Indonesia’s National Disaster Management Agency is investigating 89 fire-related cases across nine provinces as the country fights the blazes [3].
Indonesia remains engaged in simultaneous firefighting efforts including ground crews, aerial water bombing, patrols, and weather modification operations where possible. Berton Panjaitan, head of communications at Indonesia’s National Disaster Management Agency, stated, "The situation is serious, but it remains under active control. Ground and aerial firefighting operations are being carried out simultaneously, including water bombing, aerial patrols and weather modification operations where conditions allow" [3].
With Malaysian cloud seeding now authorized, joint operations are underway to reduce haze and improve air quality in border regions. The coordinated efforts intensify in the lead-up to Malaysia’s key national celebrations at the end of August and mid-September [1, 2].
