ASEAN urged to take extra measures on regional haze amid rising health concerns
Toxic transboundary haze makes Petailing Jaya in Malaysia look like it is in misty highlands despite being located less than 100 meters above sea level, says a resident.
ASEAN nations are being urged to implement tougher measures to combat the rising issue of transboundary haze that is causing significant health concerns across the region. The haze, originating from wildfires in Indonesia, has led to a decline in air quality, particularly affecting regions like Malaysia.
Resident Evelyn Toh, 54, who lives in Selangor, Malaysia, describes the current haze as the worst she has witnessed in recent years. The pollution has caused visibility issues, with her being unable to see traffic lights more than 100 meters ahead while driving. Additionally, the toxic pollution has led to various respiratory issues for her friends and herself, including an itchy throat, nose, and eyes. Evelyn's elderly parents are also affected, with declining air quality impacting their breathing.
With several regions in Malaysia reporting unhealthy air quality levels, the pressure is mounting on both the Indonesian government and ASEAN to take proactive steps to address this transboundary haze problem. The situation highlights the urgent need for cooperation and action to protect the health and well-being of people living in the affected regions.
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.
