Choked in Smoke

Once again, Malaysia finds itself shrouded in a blanket of smoke-filled air. What was once considered an occasional environmental crisis has now become an almost “annual affair,” much to the frustration of Indonesia’s neighbours. The issue, first brought to international attention by Friends of the Earth as far back as 1997, continues to show little sign of resolution.

The recurring haze has long strained diplomatic relations, particularly between Indonesia and Singapore. On 21 June 2013, Singapore recorded a Pollutant Standards Index (PSI) of 401 - well beyond hazardous levels - prompting the government and its people to openly accuse Indonesia of failing to take sufficient action. Indonesia, however, countered that the problem could not be pinned solely on its citizens. Many of the plantation companies responsible for large-scale open burning, they argued, are owned by Singapore and Malaysian interests.

The way forward must involve more than finger-pointing. A solution requires strong political will and genuine enforcement. Severe penalties should be imposed on any company - local or foreign - found guilty of open burning. A fine in the range of RM10 million or more per offence, an amount substantial enough to truly hurt, could serve as an effective deterrent. Yet, the bigger challenge remains: can such laws be fairly implemented and consistently enforced in Indonesia, where vested interests and weak governance often stand in the way of meaningful change?

The sky at my house on 21.6. 2013. Air Pollutant Index reported to be 79.

The sky at my house on 22.6.2013. Patches of clouds are now visible.