Pressure intensifies on Indonesia as regional haze worsens
The government is under pressure to tighten its crackdown on polluters and accept more international assistance in putting out forest and peatland fires, as transboundary haze continues to choke the region.
Indonesia is facing mounting pressure to intensify its efforts against polluters and seek more international aid as regional haze worsens, threatening the health and well-being of people in neighboring countries. The fires in Kalimantan and Sumatra have reached a critical stage this year, producing noxious smog that has enveloped several nations, including Malaysia and Singapore.
Malaysia's environment ministry reported unhealthy air pollution levels (API) in Kuala Lumpur, Johor, and 12 other locations, accounting for roughly one-fifth of all monitored areas in the country. As a result, the state of Johor announced a one-week suspension of all schools and educational institutions beginning Monday, citing escalating public health concerns due to the hazardous air quality.
Singapore, a neighboring country, also recorded unhealthy air quality readings on Sunday, and the city-state is contemplating the suspension of classes and national examinations if pollution reaches the "hazardous" level. In response, Singapore has launched a nationwide haze subsidy scheme (HSS) effective October 13, offering eligible residents financial assistance for medical expenses of up to S$10 (US$7.82) to cover haze-related treatment.
Approximately 60,000 joint personnel have been mobilized to combat wildfires across six provinces in Indonesia, with a focus on aerial firefighting and weather modification operations in South Sumatra, Riau, Jambi, West Kalimantan, Central Kalimantan, and South Kalimantan.
Written by urgent.news from The Jakarta Post's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
