Haze: The sky is blue

Haze: Rain helps to douse raging Sumatra fires, hotspots reduced to 54

PETALING JAYA: Rain over central Sumatra the past few days helped to douse the raging fires there, bringing blue skies to most parts of the country.

It was reported that "short bursts" of rain in Riau, Indonesia saw the number of hotspots around Pekanbaru fall from 250 on Tuesday to 54 on Wednesday.

Winds over Dumai, the report added, helped to clear the haze in the region.

The change in weather there has brought rain in several areas in West Malaysia, with storms breaking out on Tuesday in the Klang Valley as well as in Perak, Johor, Negri Sembilan, Malacca and Terengganu.

What a relief! Today's weather is much better, hardly any haze. The sky is visible. It rained the past couple of days and it is forecast that there will be more rain in the coming days. Hopefully they don't start anymore fires after this!

Parliament: MCA calls for Haze Taskforce

KUALA LUMPUR: MCA deputy president Datuk Seri Liow Tiong Lai has called for a bipartisan Haze Taskforce comprising MPs from both sides, Department of Environment officials, and NGO representatives.

"This haze is an environmental disaster," he said on Wednesday, exhorting the Malaysian government to work together in seeking a solution.

"The first step, however, is for Indonesia to ratify the Asean agreement on Trans-boundary haze pollution.

“The Malaysian government must continue to persuade Indonesia to sign the agreement and Indonesia has to be a responsible neighbour and act in the Asean spirit.

"The taskforce will work with its Indonesian counterparts to go down to the ground and establish the source and parties involved in slash and burn practices that go against treaties and local laws," he told reporters during a press conference from the sidelines of Parliament.

However, he said, the taskforce could not be set up until the ratification was done by Indonesia.

MCA Youth Chief Datuk Wee Ka Siong concurred, adding that the Malaysian government needed an emergency response plan for the haze.

"We have to form a new mechanism when engaging in discussions with the Indonesian government.

"Regardless of where the company is from, it should be charged for open burning," he told reporters at the same PC.

Source: Parliament: MCA calls for Haze Taskforce

Not long after my post on MCA, this piece of news came to my attention.

You've really got to give it to them. Haze Taskforce? Is that the best you can offer?

There's a saying, "Talking without saying anything".  

First, they admit it's an environmental disaster. Then they beat around the bush with nonsensical suggestions such as "taskforce", "persuade Indonesia", "go down to the ground", "engaging with discussions". And they expect the people to take them seriously? Really?

Stop insulting the people's intelligence, please. If you have nothing to say, just keep quiet. Don't make half-hearted statements like these.

If you have something to say, say it like you mean it. 

We are living with this:

KLCC? Where?

All 3 affected countries have relevant laws in place, have relevant agencies with ministers to oversee. Just enforce it! Is that too difficult? Not one of these countries have addressed the real solution.

To prevent a crime, there must be enforcement.

Haze: 40 times cheaper to burn than use machines, says expert

" PETALING JAYA: The slash and burn method of land clearing is 40 times cheaper than using machines, thus making it difficult for Indonesia to stop open burning.
“The underlying factor is cost,” said Dr Helena Varkkey of the Department of International and Strategic Studies, Universiti Malaya.

Dr Varkkey, whose expertise is in environmental politics, said that based on research done by others, the cost per hectare in using the slash and burn method is approximately USD5 per hectare.

Using machines would cost about USD200.

She pointed out that small-scale farmers were not the primary source of fires and the culprits were the 60% to 80% of commercial plantations...."

 " She explained that the companies would hire subcontractors to clear land and if they were caught for burning, they claimed to have instructed the subcontractors not to use the slash and burn way.

These companies, she added, often cultivate healthy relationships with local and central government officials.

Another situation that led to the fires causing transboundary haze that has affected Malaysia and Singapore in recent days is the increasing use of peat soil to grow oil palm trees. "

 Source: Haze: 40 times cheaper to burn than use machines, says expert

There you go...  they burn because it's 40 times cheaper. Corporations save a bundle while the people suffers.It is situations like these that shows how governments have failed in their duty. When the culprits are known, but action is not taken. Are these governments and politicians beholden to these corporations?

How many days have the schools been closed?
Schools in Manjung district ordered to close

How many people had to seek medical treatment? 
Residents in Singapore, Malaysia Flock Hospitals, Clinics for Rising Number of Illnesses, Ailments Due to Smog

Haze Update - Rain! Finally!

It's raining! It's raining! 

Certainly a welcomed relief after 2 weeks of dry weather. 

Hope the situation improves after this.

Haze Update - A President Apologises

President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono has apologised for the haze that had blanketed Singapore and Malaysia in recent days and continues to remain a threat in coming days.

“For what has happened, as President, I say sorry and seek the understanding of our relatives in Singapore and Malaysia,” he said.

“Indonesia had no intention to cause this. And we will continue to bear responsibility to overcome what has happened,” he said in a televised press conference at his office on Monday evening.

Source: Haze update - Indonesia's Yudhoyono apologises for haze

The President of Indonesia's statement of apology to the countries affected by the haze is  commendable and reflects the quality of a true statesman. Malaysians truly appreciate his empathy and concern.

But why does the situation have to deteriorate to the point of requiring a President to apologise for the criminal actions of these arsonists and his ineffective ministers?

Who runs a country? Corporations or governments?

What action is the government of Indonesia planning take against these arsonists?

What action is the government of Malaysia planning take against these Malaysian-owned arsonists?

Some of these companies are even partly-owned by various Malaysian government agencies. Does this make the government an accomplice?

Corporations cannot hide behind politicians and shift the blame to small-time farmers. These farmers do not have thousands of acres of land to burn.

For once, do the right thing.

Death penalty threat for polluters in China

Polluters in China could soon face the death penalty after the authorities stepped up the courts’ powers to punish firms who carry out grievous environmental crimes.

A judicial clarification took effect this week guaranteeing the enforcement of environment-related laws and regulations “which have long been lax and superficial in China,” the state-run Xinhua news agency reported.

The move is a “powerful legal weapon” for enforcing protection, the report said.

“In the most serious cases the death penalty could be handed down,” it added. The death penalty is usually imposed for corruption and other economic crimes.

Public anger is rising over the country’s appalling environmental record. The cities are choking with smog and factories have done serious damage to the country’s rivers.

“The watchdog will strengthen monitoring measures, especially on enterprises that are located in environmentally-sensitive areas where major pollution accidents have happened,” the statement said.

Source:  Death penalty threat for polluters in China

Now, that is what I call being serious.

Haze - Smoking gun in Malaysian hands

(Jakarta Post) - Plantation companies have often ordered local people to burn forest or peatland near their concessions, hoping that the fire will spread onto their land. “Once the fire takes hold of their concessions, the companies shift the blame onto the local residents as if the fire had accidentally and spread to their land.

Preliminary investigations have singled out eight plantation companies owned by Malaysian investors as the source of forest fires in Riau that have caused Southeast Asia’s worst ever air pollution crisis.

The Environment Ministry’s deputy for environmental degradation and climate change, Arief Yuwono, said that under the environment law, the penalties for causing illegal forest fires are a maximum of 10 years in prison and fines of up to 5 billion rupiah (US$504,000).

Six other companies are also involved, but Balthasar refused to name them.

Source: Smoking gun in Malaysian hands

 Obviously, the countries involved, Singapore, Malaysia & Indonesia, are putting on a show for the public. You know, blaming each other, issuing threats, pretending they are working hard to find a solution. Once the haze passes, it'll be life as usual... 

The laws are in place. (I think it is too lenient)
- maximum of 10 years in prison and fines of up to 5 billion rupiah (US$504,000).

 The evidence is there.
- satellite images & the haze

The culprits are identified.

 - eight plantation companies owned by Malaysian investors 

-  Six other companies are also involved, but Balthasar refused to name them.

What are they waiting for?

Haze: Impact on economy minimal, say experts

The problem, however, would not be serious enough to affect the country's gross domestic product (GDP), said RAM Holdings Group chief economist Dr Yeah Kim Leng.

He said tourism, leisure and restaurant businesses stood to lose the most at this point.
"Malaysians only need to worry if the haze grows to hazardous levels over the next few weeks or months," he said.

Dr Yeah said the losses in the current haze situation could be in the millions of ringgit but "not hundreds of millions".

Ambank Group chief economist Anthony Dass said that although work productivity and consumer spending would take a hit due to the haze, the economic impact was "minimal and negligible".

He added that the haze situation could be considered tolerable now as many people could still be seen going about their daily activities.

"However, if the haze worsens and the Government takes drastic precautionary measures like asking people not to go outdoors, we may see a more serious impact to our daily life," he added.

Source: Haze: Impact on Malaysia economy minimal, say experts

 I really think these people are a totally different species of humans. To them, everything is about money, economy and profits. Granting that they are economists giving their views, they should at least be a little less condescending.

I doubt the economy is the first thing on the people's mind when they are now choking on the haze! Not everything in life is about money.

Haze Update - Setting new record

Pix source: The Star

1. Number of hotspots doubled

" KUALA LUMPUR: The number of hot spots detected in Sumatra via satellite NOAA-18 on Saturday rose almost two fold to 118 from 64 on Friday."

"The stations which were at unhealthy levels were:

Selangor: Port Klang at 192, Petaling Jaya (125), Banting (115), Shah Alam (112) and Kuala Selangor (104).

Kuala Lumpur: Cheras (111) and Batu Muda (108). Negeri Sembilan: Nilai (106), Seremban (104) and Port Dickson (184).

Johor: Pasir Gudang (110), Larkin (117) and Kota Tinggi (124).

Pahang: Indera Mahkota (107) and Balok Baru (149). Terengganu: Paka (105) and Kemaman (153).
Based on the API, the readings of between 0 and 50 is categorised as good, 51 to 100 (moderate), 101 to 200 (unhealthy), 201 to 300 (very unhealthy) and 300 upwards, dangerous."


Things are getting from bad to worse. Since yesterday afternoon, the situation was already apparent in Selangor. Today, it got worse. Visibility in the afternoon was estimated to be around 5km. I knew the haze was from Sumatra because the acrid burning smell was very mild. When the burning smell is strong, it usually means it came from local sources.

All schools in KL & Selangor will be closed tomorrow (Monday).

See how much hardship it causes the people. Working parents will have to make last minute plans for their school-going kids. Will the various parties responsible be able to take care of these kids while their parent go off to work? I can't imagine the suffering for those who are suffering from medical conditions, especially respiratory related like asthma or pneumonia.

This should be classified as a crime against humanity.

2. New record

API in Muar spikes at 746

 It is more than double the official API for hazardous levels which is 300 and above.

The fact that the number of hotspots increasing two-fold confirms that they are still starting new fires! All those press statements the last couple of weeks are nothing more than hot air! All these authorities and politicians who have been offering their so-called solutions & empathy in the media are nothing more than empty-talk!

How difficult is it to catch the culprits? How difficult is it to bring them to justice? How long does it take? It has been happening every year, for more than 10-20 years.

Haze Update: 8 companies named by Indonesia authorities

Sime Darby, which was one of those named has denied the allegations.

I'm sure there are more than eight. The Indonesians should list out all and take action against these irresponsible companies.

Lately, I suspect that there's open burning in Selangor as well. It happens at night for the last couple of weeks. There will be haze accompanied by the smell of burning. It usually starts in the late evenings and lasts through the night. By morning, the haze will be gone except for a little lingering smell. They are obviously doing it under the cover of darkness when it's difficult to spot them. Suspiciously, the Selangor authorities are oblivious to it or decided to look the other way.

Funny that these kind of things are so rampant in this part of the world. Shows how much respect we have for the environment and health. It also shows how the level of commitment the governments of Singapore, Malaysia & Indonesia have with regards to this problem, which has been happening annually since 10-20 odd years ago!

Every year it's the same charade by these 3 countries. Do they really think the people are so ignorant that they buy into their charades? Their collusion and play-acting are so obvious.

I really think it is more worthwhile for Pakatan Rakyat and those environmental groups to protest against this at the 505 Blackout rally at Padang Merbok today. 

Haze update

Pix credit: The Star

It's good that the culprits are named and made accountable. Governments should realise that they have a moral obligation not only to corporations, but also the people. Governments should not ignore their true responsibilities and duty to the people and country.

Anyway, I think corporations are becoming too powerful in today's world. It has come to a point where they can dictate government policies and trample over consumer and human rights. Corporations have become inhumane. Those working in these corporations should really be mindful of their actions and not just try to please their bosses and owners. Let your conscience be your guide.

Anyway, latest news on the haze:

"Fires on Indonesia’s Sumatra, which have cloaked Singapore in record-breaking smog, are raging on palm oil plantations owned by Indonesian, Malaysian and Singaporean companies, environmental activist group Greenpeace International said Saturday." - NST - Palm oil companies behind Singapore smog: Greenpeace 

 

"The Indonesian environment minister Balthasar Kambuaya said Friday that a team has investigated eight companies suspected to be behind the fires and promised to reveal the companies' names after the probe."
"APP, the world's third-largest paper producer said in a statement late Friday that "ground verification" detected "only seven points that are actually forest fire, affecting around 200 hectares of land"." - channelnewsasia.com - Palm oil companies behind Singapore haze: Greenpeace


Let's hope they keep their word and take action against the culprits.

Hope the situation continues to improve:
"The air pollutant index (API) for the state has dropped from the hazardous levels but the air quality remains unhealthy."
- The Star - Haze: Johor air quality improves - from hazardous to unhealthy

Pix credit : yahoo

 

Haze in Malaysia (and Singapore)

The annual haze is back. Every time it happens, the various government agencies will make some noise, the people will complain, and then it is soon forgotten... until the next year. Year in, year out, since the last 15 years and they still haven't found a solution? Because there is no solution. Burning is the preferred method for these mostly plantations because it is cheap & it helps fertilise the earth for planting.

Once again, commercial interests triumphs over the health of the people.

More news here. and here.

From NST

Palm oil producers deny slash-and-burn practices in Indonesia - www.channelnewsasia.com