Forest Fire Haze from Indonesia Spreads to Malaysia, Triggering Health Warnings
Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia -The haze caused by the raging forest and peatland fires in Indonesia in such a province as Riau, has reached the Malaysian side of the Malacca Strait due to which serious concerns related to air quality and health of the population and regional cooperation in dealing with transboundary pollution emerged.
Burning in Riau Province Adding to the crisis Fires in the province of Riau Fires in Riau Province that drove the crisis
These conflagrations have spread within the last week as a result of dry winds and weather conditions due to allegedly illegal land clearance to be used as an agricultural land and in palm oil plantations. Meteorology, Climatology, and Geophysics Agency (BMKG) in Indonesia had a satellite data that saw hundreds of hotspots in Sumatra, especially in Riau and Jambi.
Although firefighters are battling the fires locally, officials are found it difficult to curb the flames which are spreading fast in drought stricken peatlands- where fire burns deep underground and causes too much smoke.
Malaysia Gets a Haze
The acrid haze on Saturday and Sunday hit hard the wind patterns and these winds spread the haze into the west coast of Malaysia and hit the cities of Johor Bahru, Malacca and parts of Selangor. According to the Malaysian Department of Environment, there was a surge in Air Pollutant Index ( API ) readings, while showing that some areas in Malaysia have reached an unhealthy level in the quality of air.
The Ministry of Health has gone ahead to issue advisories to groups of vulnerable populations, such as children, the elderly and people with respiratory problems who have been asked to avoid outdoor activities and use N95 face masks where necessary.
Health Issues Become a Concern to the General Population
Physicians in the areas of concern have reported increased cases of respiratory irritations, asthma spells and eye complications. The demand of masks and air purifiers has increased in the pharmacies in some cities.
It is not a seasonal problem of haze. It is a health emergency that afflicts millions of people annually as Dr Noraini Zakaria, a pulmonologist in Kuala Lumpur, said. Our concern especially is on the long term effects of this polluted air which the children are exposed to constantly
Regional Action appeals
The most recent haze incident is bringing diplomatic issues back into the spotlight. Malaysia has demanded that Indonesia to act decisively and openly towards the culprits of the illegal burning. Environmentalists are urging ASEAN countries to put a stick on transboundary haze pollution agreement of 2002.
The haze is back every year and so are the excuses. The Greenpeace Malaysia responded that it was not about promises anymore; it is time to be accountable.
Economic and Social Impact
In addition to health, the haze poses threat to not only tourism, agriculture, but also transportation. Poor visibility has been experienced in certain locations that have fallen way under 1 kilometer affecting air travel and ferries. In some districts, schools have been recommended to ensure they are ready in case of eventualities that may culminate into schools being shut down.
Conclusion
The menace that the haze has had on the region as the air turns into a choking smog underscores the need to tighten cooperation and stricter environmental management, and responsibility in land use. To the millions in Southeast Asia, this is not just a weather condition, it is a measure that would test the solidarity not just in the region but in the responsibility towards the environment
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