Haze has been plaguing Malaysia yet again this year. It's like one of the seasonal phenomenon that we anticipate once a year, for which we do not welcome. The smoky haze blanketing several countries in the Southeast Asia region for weeks and as always Malaysia is worst affected.
The main cause of the haze is the forest fire in Indonesia every year. Yes, you heard it right, every year! The fires are said to be ignited by irresponsible corporations and farmers who burn the forest to clear the land for palm oil and other developments. The fires more often than not turn uncontrollably and transform into wildfires burning all the trees they can reach.
The haze usually spread hundreds of kilometres across the atmosphere, causing a significant deterioration in air quality by releasing large amounts of toxic substance into the air that we breathe. The pollutants in the haze can cause serious problem in our respiratory tract, eyes and health in general. The fires also will destroy the ecosystem of the forest by killing hundreds if not thousands species of animals and plants along its path.
Quote from NST, "Our Natural Resources and Environment Minister said that the haze this year will not be as severe as the previous years due to the commitment by Indonesia to control their land-clearing activities".
Just to control their land-clearing activities? Apparently, the enforcement is not taking any consequential measurement to stop the forest burning. And eventually the haze will keep on coming back. That being said, expect the haze to visit us again in an annual customary manner.
Time to get a mask!
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