Haze covers Singapore's CBD
Over the past two weeks, officials from countries like Malaysia and Singapore have demanded action from the Indonesia government. The haze is caused by Indonesian palm-oil producers burning off forests in order to create more land for planting.
The Malaysian government ordered its school closed on Sunday, after readings from pollution monitoring stations stated that the air quality was in the “unhealthy” and “hazardous” regions. According to AFP news agency, the Malaysian Education Minister Mahdzir Khalid said that Malaysia “would not compromise with anything that could bring harm to our children in schools.” The country has also cancelled several sporting events such as a marathon, and local soccer matches.
The Singapore government also cancelled the grand finals for a swimming World Cup due to the haze on the same day due to pollution levels. The Star reported Ang Peng Wee, chairman of the organising committee, as saying, “With the haze caused by the fires in Indonesia, the health and safety of all athletes, guests, officials, spectators volunteers and staff remain as our top priority.” The country also closed its schools last week, following a high pollution level rating.
Due to the prolonged and worsening haze conditions, Singapore has also taken official legal action against five Indonesian firms believed to be behind the burning of the forests.
Tens of thousands of respiratory illnesses are reported every year during this period, and this year is no different.
“The haze gets so bad that my asthma attacks act up.” says Russell Chua, a Singaporean student, “I wake up in the middle of the night having breathing difficulties.”
Indonesia has come under tough scrutiny by its neighbouring countries due to the critical haze issue.
Although the haze occurs every few years in the region, scientists at NASA say that this year’s could be the worst on record.
“If the forecasts for a dryer season hold, this suggests 2015 will rank among the most severe events on record,” says Robert Field, a Columbia University Student based at NASA’s Goddard Institute for Space Studies, in a report by the Sydney Morning Herald.
The news of the bad haze has caused Singaporeans and Southeast Asians in Australia to worry for their loved ones back home.
“I’ve seen posts on social media on how bad the haze is this year, and I’m just worried for my parents back home.” says Fidelis Woo, a Singaporean in Australia, “I hope that they know to keep their face masks on when leaving the house.”
Instagram user: simon.ong
Instagram user: jon_yeap
Jonathan Yow, another Singaporean in Australia, agrees.
"I think we're all just trying our best to keep in touch with our family back home," he says, "They're all used to the haze at this time of the year, but they still want it to end soon."
"I think we're all just trying our best to keep in touch with our family back home," he says, "They're all used to the haze at this time of the year, but they still want it to end soon."
"My sister is pretty jealous of the clean air I'm getting here!" he jokes.
Due to all its deforestation, Indonesia has been named as the fifth largest emitter of greenhouse gases in the world.
Indonesian President Joko Widodo has said that the country needs time to tackle its forest-burning problem. However, he says that the solution might take three years before positive results would emerge.
Sources:
http://www.bbc.com/news/world-asia-34438189
http://www.straitstimes.com/singapore/environment/spore-clamps-down-on-five-firms-over-haze
http://www.thestar.com.my/Sport/Swimming/2015/10/03/Singapore-World-Cup-finals-cancelled-because-of-haze/
http://time.com/4060786/haze-singapore-indonesia-malaysia-pollution/
http://www.smh.com.au/world/asian-haze-set-to-become-worst-on-record-20151004-gk18i9.html
Fidelis Woo – 0405009887
Jonathan Yow - 0478415570
Russell Chua - +65 91778997
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