Forest fires in Indonesia, many neighboring countries "suffocate"

(Baonghean.vn) - Illegal forest burning and unreasonable agricultural practices throughout Indonesia have caused not only this country but also many neighboring countries in Southeast Asia to be covered in smog.

A forest fire in Indonesia.

In Singapore, the world swimming race was canceled on October 3 due to pollution. A marathon in Malaysia on October 4 was also canceled. All schools were closed on October 5 and 6.

Tens of thousands of people in Indonesia and Malaysia have sought treatment for respiratory infections. Indonesia has mobilized 20,000 firefighters to spray water on forests and cloud-seeding chemicals to put out the fires.

Indiscriminate forest burning in Indonesia has been going on for decades and the country has always faced criticism from neighboring countries.

Scientists predict this year's wildfires could surpass the 1997 wildfire disaster when out-of-control wildfires caused severe air pollution with an estimated $9 billion in damage.

"If forecasts of a prolonged dry season continue, the 2015 wildfires will be among the most devastating on record," said Robert Fiel, an expert at NASA's Goddard Institute for Space Studies.

In Singapore, websites are posting hourly updates on the dangers of the Indonesian bushfires. Some shops have offered free masks to children and the elderly. "People with normal physical fitness should reduce the time or intensity of physical activity outdoors. People with compromised health, especially the elderly and children, and those with chronic heart or lung disease, should seek medical attention to prevent illness," Singapore's National Environment Agency advised.

In an interview with Bernama news agency, Malaysian Prime Minister Najib Razak said, "We want Indonesia to act quickly. Indonesia can collect evidence and punish the businesses involved."

Indonesia's Antara news agency reported that Singapore had offered to send C-130 aircraft to Indonesia to help put out the fires, but Jakarta had rejected the offer. "We will first try to put out the fires that we caused. So far, there has been no agreement between Indonesia and Singapore on how to deal with the fires," said Indonesian Cabinet Secretary Pramono Anung.

Last week, Jakarta pledged at the United Nations to curb emissions by 2030. Malaysian Deputy Prime Minister Zahid Hamidi said Jakarta's efforts were not enough and that the country should seek help from other countries in the region. Malaysia's defense minister said on Twitter that he had fallen ill from the smog and warned Malaysians to stay indoors.

Phuong Thao

(According to The Guardian)