Every year in Malaysia without fail we are familiar the haze episode and we always talking about this issue when haze coming, but after that we will forget about it.
However, we never focus on what is the solution to resolve it, but we focus on about the mask, which brand mask is the best for us.
Impact of fire and haze:
• The total economic losses for the 1997/98 fire episode was estimated to be US$10.3billion
- Indonesia – total losses in forestry, health, tourism and others estimated to be US$9.3billion (CIFOR)
- Other countries (Malaysia and Singapore) – total losses in forestry, health, tourism and others estimated to be US$1billion.
• This does not take into account the estimates US$5billion lost through emission of carbon into the atmosphere
• 1997/98 fire episodes
- School in Sarawak closed for 3 weeks
- Agriculture sector recorded an estimated yield reduction by 30%
- Malacca strait experienced several cargo ships related accidents
- 90% reduction of tourist arrivals and cancellation of flight recorded
• 2005 – Malaysia declared state of emergency on 12th Aug
• 2006 – Malaysia and Singapore badly affected where Ministers of Environmenthad to convene emergency meetings in Pakanbaru, Indonesia (Oct) and Cebu, Philippines (Nov)
Can we provide solutions to ensure reduction in forest fires and haze emission? Answer is yes, the solutions are as below(more info at Global Environment Centre):
- Stop destructive practices
- Prevent or control fires
- Stop further drainage and restore hydrology
- Develop alternate livelihoods for local communities
- Stop illegal/uncontrolled logging and encourage rehabilitation
- Introduce sustainable management options
- Block or control existing drains
- Encourage re-growth of vegetation
- Integrated management for multiple use
- Prediction and monitoring
