Clear the air – and make sure those responsible are held accountable

During the Merdeka holidays, a reporter went fishing with friends off the coast of Pahang and Johor. The morning was tranquil, with mist enveloping the mangrove and river. As the sun grew stronger, the mist persisted, revealing itself to be haze. This haze was particularly dense, obscuring vision to just a few kilometers on the highway.

Even those without health issues, like the reporter, experienced headaches and nausea. A Malaysian official criticized Malaysian and Singaporean neighbors for complaining about haze from Sumatra without recognizing that it also contributes oxygen. Indonesia is testing the use of dry ice to clear the haze, but this could inadvertently disperse the smoke particles further into the atmosphere.

The forest fire problem in Indonesia has worsened due to a severe El Nino, intense forest burning, and diminishing forest cover. Malaysian plantation companies are suspected of setting fires in Sumatra and Kalimantan. The reporter calls for stronger action from regional political leaders and demands accountability from Indonesian authorities and Malaysian leaders.