Asian officials meet to resolve haze crisis

Defence ministers from Indonesia, Malaysia and Singapore have held high-level talks, as a suffocating haze continues to envelop the three countries.

Smoke haze in Malaysia

Smoke haze in Malaysia from Indonesian fires. Source: AAP

The shroud of smoke covering parts of South-East Asia threatens a geo-political firestorm.

A pungent haze has been caused by ongoing fires in Indonesian islands due to controversial slash and burn methods, as arsons hamper efforts from authorities.

“We're very worried by just looking at the situation, especially since it is happening every year,” said Indonesian villager Hetmen.

“In the morning the haze is very bad.”

The annual fires were sparked on the country's Sumatra and Kalimantan islands.

The smog is engulfing parts of neighbouring Singapore and Malaysia, causing pollution readings in all three countries to soar.

Flights have been delayed across the board, with schools closed in Singapore for the first time in twelve years.

More than 150,000 people in affected areas have sought medical treatment for respiratory problems.

Last week, 3000 troops and police were deployed to Sumatra to fight the fires.

But angry Indonesians say that's not enough.

They've called on President Joko Widodo to fly out to Sumatra himself to assess the damage.

Malaysia and Singapore are accusing Indonesia of not taking the issue seriously enough.

Singapore's Environment minister says the haze has lasted "for far too long".

Indonesia’s Defence Minister has met with his two counterparts, and says their strong relationships will boost their efforts to find a solution.

Asian affairs expert Dr Yeow Tong Chia from the University of Sydney believes there are tensions between the regions, but it is not significant enough to warrant worry.

"I think there might be some challenges and tests as well. And you can see I think signalling that, Singapore's seriousness in this," Dr Chia said.

“This will not impact long-term relationships. They have a very close relationship.”

Indonesia's haze crisis has proved an ongoing issue during dry seasons for the past twenty years.

Faizal Parish from the Global Environment Centre says a long term solution is vital.

"This problem is not going to go away, it's going to be here the next five or 10 years,” Mr Parish said.

“Malaysia should be looking at significant major investment in working with Indonesia, in sustainable management of the lands which are prone to fire."

More than 40 people have been detained in relation to the fires, and are expected to be charged.

Several Indonesian companies have also been served with legal notices, with investigations launched against 200 other firms.


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By SBS Staff

Source: SBS



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