The haze has led to a surge in respiratory illnesses across the region, particularly in Indonesia, Singapore, East Timor, and Malaysia. The high PM2.5 levels in Singapore pose significant health risks, especially for vulnerable groups such as children, the elderly, and those with pre-existing respiratory conditions. School closures in East Timor and Malaysia highlight the severity of the situation. The transboundary haze has also sparked diplomatic tensions, with calls for regional protests against Indonesia's handling of the crisis.