The Malaysian Nature Society views the current haze situation enveloping the peninsula with great concern. It seems that western part of Peninsular Malaysian was most affected by the transboundary haze. The rains have offered us a temporary relieve from the haze but as more hotspots are being detected in both locally and Sumatra, the problem might linger for a while.
Notwithstanding the local sources of haze, (of which are due to open burning and vehicular sources), which can be controlled to some extent, the recurring haze episode is contributed by transboundary haze from forest clearing and burning in Sumatra, Indonesia. According to Indonesian sources, the majority of forest fires are caused by major plantation sub-contracting the forest clearing and burnings to operators, while others were caused by smallholdings and shifting cultivators. Although various actions and initiatives were taken to counter this problem back in 1997, the current transboundary haze episode reveals that these initiatives and actions are inadequate to deal with the problem. It is pertinent that Malaysia does more with respect to environment monitoring, protection procedures and education of both public and corporations.

The public is rightly anxious to know the severity of the hazy, which is affecting their health and daily lives. The publication of the Air Pollutant Index (API) readings was initiated in 1997 by the Ministry of Science, Technology and Environment. It is therefore inappropriate to ban the publication of the Air Pollution Index readings. Although the ban was initiated to avoid negative media reporting, it has probably done more harm than good. The Malaysian Nature Society urges the Government to release the API readings to the public. This disclosure will restore public confidence in the transparency with which the Government is dealing with the problem.

The recurring haze situation brings forth a lesson for all of us. Clean air, a clean environment and healthy life are not to be taken for granted and the public should play their part in reducing the pollution load and not only blame the authorities. Instead, the public should try to reduce unsustain-able practices in their own lifestyles. For example, to reduce the haze problem locally, the public should voluntarily take the buses, communter or LRT trains to work and should learn to walk for short distances instead of using the car. The benefits of exercise and a healthier body far outweigh the inconveniences of walking, not counting the cost savings and reduction in air pollution.

Dato’ Dr. Salleh Mohd Nor
Kuala Lumpur, 25 July 2000